COLUMBUS – Thousands of costumed kids will take to the streets over the next few nights, begging treats and tricking those unwise enough to hold out.
Click here for Beggar’s Night dates and times in central Ohio.
Trick or treat for Columbus and most surrounding areas is scheduled for Thursday between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Here are a few Halloween safety tips:
Adults should accompany young children and older kids should travel in groups.
Children should wear light colored clothing short enough to prevent tripping.
Add reflective tape to costumes and outer garments to increase visibility.
Carry and use flashlights or glow sticks after dark.
Visit homes you know and stay within your neighborhood. Together with your child, map out a safe route so you know where they will be. Remind them not to take short cuts through backyards, alleys or fields.
Remind children never to enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
Encourage neighborhood block watches and citizens’ groups to patrol the neighborhood.
Drive slowly and schedule trips so as to avoid the times of heavy pedestrian traffic.
If you must drive during these times, avoid distractions and concentrate on safe driving.
Discourage children from eating their treats until they get home.
Closely check all treats at home is a well-lit place. Remove all opened candies or treats not in their original wrappers. Inspect all fruit and homemade goodies.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police immediately.
The Columbus Division of Police
Hallowe’en can be hazardous for adults too, especially those driving while impaired or sharing the roadway with anyone who is.
The Franklin County DUI Task Force will be operating saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and emphasizing seat belt use from Thursday through Sunday.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 43 percent of all traffic fatalities on Halloween night from 2009 to 2013 involved a drunk driver. During that time period, 119 people lost their lives on Halloween night alone.