ELKINS – Halloween trick-or-treating can be one of the happiest nights of the year for kids and teens alike. But it can also be dangerous.
Local and state officials want to remind everyone to take extra precautions when venturing out during trick-or-treating Monday. Due to the amount of pedestrians who will be roaming the streets during these times, motorists may play the biggest role when it comes to trick-or-treating safety.
“I advise drivers to stay off the road as much as possible on Halloween night,” Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett said on Friday. “If you have to get out, slow down and keep your eyes open.
“There will be many excited children who may unexpectedly run across the street and unfortunately not all will heed the advice to use reflective tape. Think about how you would feel if you made another family’s Halloween end in tragedy.”
Bennett recommends that any dark-colored costumes a child wears during trick-or-treating have reflective strips or tape added to them. He said it’s also important to ensure children’s costumes are flame retardant and that their masks don’t obstruct their vision.
Bennett shared tips to ensure any candy brought home by children is safe to consume.
“Make sure your kids know not to eat any of their candy until you get a chance to look at it.” said Bennett. “Don’t eat homemade treats from someone you don’t know personally and throw out candy that looks like it’s been tampered with.”
Bennett would like to remind parents that there have been reports of children accidentally taking substances like fentanyl, THC, and other controlled substances. He said these drugs are sometimes made in pill or gummy form and that they resemble candy. If parents are unsure about something, the boss recommends throwing it away.
The West Virginia Poison Center would like to remind parents to make sure they only use face paint that’s labeled non-toxic and to keep an eye out for kids chewing on glow sticks, bracelets, or other popular costume accessories. These items may contain toxic ingredients and are easily ruptured in children’s mouths.
Trick or treating is happening tonight in Parsons from 6pm to 8pm. Other Halloween trick-or-treating areas include: Elkins (6:30pm – 8:00pm); Mill Creek (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.); Coalton (6pm – 7.30pm); Beverly (6pm – 8pm); Buckhannon (6pm – 7.30pm); Philippi (17:30 to 19:00); Belton (6pm – 7.30pm); Junior (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.); Weston (6pm – 7pm); and Montrose (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.).
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