Police recommend Halloween safety tips

Knox County Sheriff Mike Smith is reminding everyone to have a happy and safe Halloween this year with the following tips to keep trick or treaters safe, including:

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers.
• Costumes should consist of light colors.
• Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, use face paint and make-up whenever possible.
• Costumes should be the right size to prevent trips and falls.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks.
• Cross the street at corners.
• Look left and right and left again before crossing the street.
• Do not use electronic media devises, keep heads up and walk, don’t run.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing-up.
• Provide adult supervision during trick or treating.
• Do not allow kids to accept treats that are not commercially wrapped.
• Do not allow kids to eat any treats, until they have been inspected.

Drivers should also help keep kids safe by:

• Slowing down and being alert in residential areas.
• Taking extra time to look for kids at intersections and near the road.
• Eliminating any distractions inside the car.
• Concentrating on the road and your surroundings.
• Expecting kids to do the unexpected.

Smith added that the two most important tips to ensure a safe Halloween are for parents to accompany their children while they are trick or treating, and for drivers to expect the unexpected.