Happy Halloween
LPD shares tips to keep kids safe
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

Halloween can be a fun holiday for kids, as long as precautions are taken to keep them safe, said Lampasas Assistant Police Chief Sammy Bailey. "The excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful," she said.

The police official encouraged parents to use caution when children are out trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

Ms. Bailey offered the following suggestions to make the occasion a memorable one.

• Watch for children darting out from behind parked cars, as well as children walking along roadways, intersections and curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

• Encourage children to trickor treat before dark. At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

• Drive slowly and watch for children crossing the street.

• Make sure kids go in groups and that younger children are accompanied by an adult. "Ideally, children of any age should be accompanied by an adult," Ms. Bailey said.

• Discuss the route trick-ortreaters should take. Avoid those streets that cross busy intersections or include unfamiliar houses.

• Teach children to stop only at well-lighted homes. Remind them never to enter a stranger's house.

• Set a time that children must be home, no matter how many houses they've visited, and instruct them not to eat any treat until they return home.

Ms. Bailey said costumes should consist of fire-retardant materials and be short enough so children will not trip. Outfits should be made with light-colored materials. A strip of reflective tape will help make them more visible, she added.

If masks are worn, the assistant chief suggested they have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes. Masks should fit securely while allowing children to see well and should not hinder visibility.

"Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials, and do not allow children to carry sharp objects," she said. Children should carry glow sticks or flashlights and wear shoes, even if they don't go with the costume.

Ms. Bailey encouraged parents to be sure their youngsters understand the rules of the road, which includes walking on the sidewalk and not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, kids should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Although tampering with treats is rare, she said, parents should give children an early meal before they head out and insist that treats be brought home for inspection before they are eaten.

"Wash fruit and slice it into small pieces, and inspect it carefully for any puncture holes. If in doubt, throw it out," she said.

There are rules for trick-ortreaters, as well, she said.

"Everyone needs to know the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs, balloons or other items at a house, car or person may seem like fun, but the other side of the coin is that damage and injuries can ruin Halloween."

Charges such as criminal mischief can be filed if someone intentionally causes damage or destroys property without the consent of the owner and it causes a loss or substantial inconvenience to the owner.

Said Ms. Bailey of Halloween: "Even though the biggest worries are lurking strangers and poisoned candy, the real cause for concern is injury and death because of traffic accidents.

"If someone is injured during the prank, additional criminal charges could be filed," she added.

All children are responsible for their actions, along with their parents. What many do not know, said the police official, is that at 10 years old, children can be held criminally responsible and have charges filed against them.

Also, said Ms. Bailey, explain to children that animal cruelty is not acceptable. "Kids may know this on their own, but peer pressure can be a bad thing. Make sure they know harming animals is not only morally wrong but is also punishable by law, and it will not be tolerated."

Using common sense and following safety tips can help make the most of the Halloween season, she said.

"We want to make it a safe and fun holiday for everyone."

As a reminder, city officials note that Oak Hill Cemetery will close at 4 p.m. on Halloween.