Police officials offer Halloween safety tips
Local police departments are working to keep the community safe tonight as Halloween festivities take place.
Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski released his annual tips on what to do to keep children protected as they go trick-or-treating.
Topping the list, Mioduszewski leads with the importance of proper costumes, including mask ventilation and length, so children don’t trip on costumes. Also, he said after dark trick-or-treaters need to make sure they’re visible, with flashlights, glow sticks or reflective tape.
He also recommends adults accompanying young children to each house, older children traveling in groups and parents understanding the route children are taking if they don’t go trick-or-treating with them.
“A lot of those things are common safety type issues we’ve seen over the years,” he said. “They’re issues that have occurred over recent years, not only locally, but nationally.”
Another major aspect is Halloween candy. Mioduszewski said children should wait to eat candy until they’re home so parents can inspect it and discard any candy that is questionable.
“A lot of those safety things are common sense, especially when you get candy,” he said. “Make sure nothing has been tampered with.”
Mioduszewski also reminds people to watch for traffic and to avoid walking in the street whenever possible.
Similarly, Central Michigan University Police Cpt. Fred Harris said when it comes to Halloween safety on campus, traffic is the main concern.
“University students should follow safety precautions when they’re out at night,” he said. “Typically there is a lot more vehicle traffic out in the area.”
Students need to make sure they’re paying attention to bike safety, walking safety, being alert at crossing areas and having caution when out at night.
“We’re always very concerned with the safety of the students wherever they’re at,” he said. “Some people don’t pay enough attention.”
However, overall Mioduszewski and Harris agree Halloween isn’t a night the police typically anticipate anything out of the ordinary to occur. Neither department plans to bring in extra officers tonight based off what has occurred in years past.
“Halloween is a fun time in Isabella County. Let’s make it a safe time as well,” Mioduszewski said.
