Halloween safety tips and special trick-or-treat bags are being distributed to children in kindergarten through third grade in the West Valley area.
Dennis Nordfelt, West Valley City police chief, said the program to distribute safety bags is not designed to encourage trick-or-treating, but rather to make the activity safer for children who already have plans to make the rounds on Halloween night.The bags come with a safety patch that can be worn outside a child's costume. The bags and patch are printed with reflective ink designed to make children more visible to motorists. The bags are also printed with safety tips and have an enclosed booklet containing at-home Halloween party suggestions, recipes and costume and makeup ideas.
Nordfelt also makes the following safety suggestions for parents and their trick or treating children:
- Wear light-colored clothing short enough to prevent tripping, and add reflectors.
- Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes of people you know. A parent should also accompany young children.
- Go out during daylight hours and carry a flashlight in case it gets dark before children return home.
- Give and accept only wrapped or packaged candy. Parents should examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.