Ava Police Dept. Calls for Safe Halloween

Next Thursday is Halloween, and the Ava Police Department urges everyone to be safety-minded during the fall event. Halloween can be fun for everyone but we must keep safety in mind.
MOTORISTS: Motorists are reminded to pay attention for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down, and drive with extra caution. If you are headed to a costume party, make sure the costume doesn’t hamper your vision while you’re driving to the event! Motorists picking up and dropping off trick-or-treaters may increase the number of vehicles on the road, therefore affecting traffic patterns. Stay alert!
TRICK-OR-TREATERS: Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and consider make-up rather than masks. Masks can make it difficult for children to see oncoming traffic. Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to dark costumes to make them visible. Flame resistant costumes are the best ones.
Trick-or-treaters are urged to do so while it is light outside. If you go out later, take a flashlight with you. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.
PARENTS: Tell your child to approach only familiar houses that are well lighted. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
ADULTS: Consider spending Halloween at home answering the front door. If you do attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, make sure you have a sober, designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Drinking alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.
Halloween is a time for “scary fun”. Parents, take the time to trick-or-treat with your children for their safety and your enjoyment. Afterward, you might be able to talk them out of a treat. The Ava Police Department wishes all a safe, happy Halloween.