The Chattanooga Police Department is asking Chattanoogans to take a moment to consider these basic safety precautions to help make Halloween a safe night of fun.
Safety tips:
Before going trick-or-treating
1. Have children carry flashlights or glow sticks so they are easily visible.
2. Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
3. Make sure children know the following: parents' cellphone number, their home telephone number, and their home address in case of separation.
4. Consider giving them a cellphone so they can reach parents easily.
5. Teach children how to call 911 in case of an emergency.
6. Teach children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to accept anything other than a treat or leave with them.
While trick-or-treating:
1. Make sure older children take friends and stay together.
2. Never send younger children out alone – they should be with a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult.
3. Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.
4. Do not let children enter a home unless they are accompanied by the parent, guardian, or another trusted adult.
5. Be sure children do not approach any vehicle – occupied or not – unless accompanied by the parent, guardian, or another trusted adult.