Police say precautions can help ensure horror-free Halloween
Officials throughout the Las Vegas Valley are taking measures to ensure safety during Halloween this year, alerting residents of suggested trick-or-treating hours and hosting events to promote alternative ways of celebrating.
Keith Paul, Henderson Police Department spokesman, suggests that residents who plan to take their children trick-or-treating do so between 6 and 8 p.m. Monday.
Jay Rivera, Metropolitan Police Department spokesman, suggests trick-or-treating during early-evening hours and stresses the importance of accompanying children and carrying flashlights while walking in residential areas.
Tim Bedwell, North Las Vegas Police Department spokesman, also suggests using battery-powered devices for decorations outside of the home rather than candles, such as in carved pumpkins.
Officials suggest that children wear reflective costumes, masks and/or makeup that does not hinder their vision and avoid long costumes to prevent tripping.
Children should avoid eating any candy or treats they receive until arriving home. Adults should then check the candy and dispose of anything partially wrapped or open.
Rivera said parents should take several precautions in preparing for trick-or-treating.
"Parents should do a search for sexual predators in their neighborhood and map out those homes to avoid," Rivera said. "The lights should be out, and there should be no decorations in front of these homes."
Rivera said a list of registered sex offenders can be found on the police department's website, lvmpd.com.
Other precautions Rivera suggested taking are trick-or-treating in large groups and having parents be close enough to the doors of homes to hear the conversations that transpire between the greeter and their children.
"There's definitely safety in numbers," Rivera said. "It's a greater threat to have more than two children together. Traveling in big groups is always best."
Bedwell suggests that children carry cellphones or a list of phone numbers with them in case they are separated from parents.
"Children of any age shouldn't be trick-or-treating alone," Bedwell said. "Parents should have a plan if they get separated (from their children). Each should carry cellphones or have phone numbers with them."
For an alternative to trick-or-treating, some areas of the Las Vegas Valley are offering other events for children.
The North Las Vegas Police Department is set to host its annual Safe Halloween event from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Home Depot parking lot at 1275 W. Craig Road. Children are invited to trick-or-treat at the booths set up from several area organizations.
Bedwell also recommends scheduling a block party on the night of Halloween to ensure safety. By making a request through the police department, officials can shut down a street and designate it for family-friendly activities during the night of Halloween.
Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-0492.
TRICK-OR-TREAT SAFETY
Parents, guardians and kids are advised to use precautions while trick-or-treating. Tips from the Henderson and Metropolitan police departments include:
Use makeup instead of masks so your child's vision isn't blocked.
To prevent your child from tripping, make sure costumes are not too long.
Attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and make sure trick-or-treaters carry glow sticks and flashlights. Kids also are encouraged to wear bright clothing.
Children should be accompanied by an adult. n Children should not eat treats until their haul is checked at home. Dispose of anything that is no longer sealed or in factory wrapping.
Be close enough so you can see and hear what transpires between your kids and the residents who distribute treats.
Check police websites to help identify homes that are occupied by sexual predators. Residents in the Metropolitan Police Department's jurisdiction can visit lvmpd.com and click on "sex offenders." Those in the Henderson Police Department's jurisdiction can visit cityofhenderson.com/police/sex_offenders.php. Residents in North Las Vegas can visit sheriffalerts.com/cap_main.php?office=54127.
Plan a route for kids, and ensure they stick to the plan.
Carry a cellphone in case help is needed.
Know where your kids are at all times.
Trick-or-treat at your local mall or in your neighborhood.
Cross streets at marked crosswalks after looking both ways.
