By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Paramedic Rick Braley shared several safety tips to keep in mind while trick or treating Halloween night.
If parents do not accompany their older child or children, those children should try to join a group so as not to trick or treat alone.
Especially in subdivisions, drivers should keep in mind that people may be walking in the street.
“If sidewalks are available, try to stay on the sidewalk,” he said. “And wear something that reflects light.”
Lt. Mark Williams with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office agreed that lack of reflective clothing is “probably the biggest problem we have.”
He pointed out that children dress in dark clothing and then trick or treat at night.
“Add a couple strips of reflective tape to their backs,” he said. “And look before crossing the street.”
Braley also encouraged trick or treaters to make a route instead of ping-ponging from door to door across the street.
“Go down one side of the street, choose a point to cross, and come up the other side of the street,” he said.
As to candy, Braley said to throw away any unwrapped candy or fruit, or even wrapped candy that does not look right.
“I wouldn’t trust it,” he said. “Just throw it away.”

Printed in the October 25, 2012 edition