October 31st is quickly approaching and this means that there are many children gearing up for Trick or Treat that is customary with that day. The event is on a Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. this year. Since the day is on a weekend this year, there should be fewer commuters and vehicles on the roadways getting to and from work. However, even if the traffic volume is lower, there are many precautions that need to be taken to keep the children safe as they participate in the Halloween tradition.

Parents, you should help with choosing your child’s costume for obvious safety reasons. It should be fireproof and have eye holes large enough that the child can have good vision to the sides. It should also fit comfortably, but not present a tripping hazard. Falling on props such as a plastic knife or pitchfork can cause serious injury so examine those items for sharp or pointed protrusions. A good prop to carry is some type of device that puts off light so that others can easily see the child.

My son always wants to help with decorating the pumpkin. If you are going to carve a pumpkin for Halloween it is advisable to purchase one of the small kits that come with those tiny saws for this task. Never let your child use a sharp knife for this task even if you are planning on supervising. It is much too easy for the child to injure themselves before you can react.

I know it is difficult when your child is eating the candy as fast as they get it from the houses they are visiting, but do your very best to examine everything they receive for irregularities. If there is a question about tampering or an irregularity in the candy, don't eat it. It is better to throw it away than risk injury from an unknown substance. If you determine that tampering is involved with candy, I want you to call the police immediately as this may be a criminal offense.

I would encourage every parent to go with their children when Trick or Treating and if that is just not possible then please find a responsible adult to go with them. We teach our children basic everyday safety and this is a prime time to reinforce those teachings. Teachings such as not getting into cars or entering homes or conversing with someone along the street that is unknown to the child. And looking both ways before crossing streets and crossing in areas where it is safe to do so. These are all important safety precautions and should be reviewed with your little Trick or Treater.

Finally, I feel the most significant danger to our children during this time is motor vehicle traffic within the neighborhoods. The officers of the Russellville Police Department will be out enforcing driving infractions that would be particularly dangerous for our children that will be walking door to door. So remember to slow your speed and be ever observant for the children that will be walking the street that evening.

Have a safe and fun filled Halloween.

— Barry Dill is the chief of the Russellville Police Department.