Public Safety Agencies Provide Halloween Safety Recommendations

Waterloo Fire Rescue, Fire Pals and the Waterloo Police Department recommend the following safety tips for children and parents for the up-coming Halloween night, which has been designated in Waterloo on Friday, October 31, 2008 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 

       Make sure the costume and shoes fit. Make sure your children can see and hear
       perfectly through the costume or mask. We recommend the use of facial make-up
       instead of masks when possible. 

       Parents or a trusted adult should accompany young children. 

       Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know. Never enter a stranger’s
       home. 

       Watch for traffic.  Use sidewalks when possible.  Only cross at corners
       or crosswalks. 

       Make it easy for drivers to see your children.  Carry a flashlight or glow sticks, or add
       reflective "glow in the dark” tape or patches to costumes.  Wear light colored clothing
       that’s short enough to prevent tripping. 

       Only give or accept wrapped or packaged candy. 

       Don’t eat treats until they have been examined by a parent or trusted adult. 

       Keep costumed children away from pets. The pets may not recognize the child and
       become frightened and/or aggressive. 

       Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as swords or daggers. Use foam rubber, which
       is soft and flexible. 

       Remember, it is a federal crime to tamper with any consumer product. If you become
       aware of any tampered product, please contact your local law enforcement agency
       at the Black Hawk Consolidated Communications Center, 291-2515.

       From an adult standpoint, Halloween is also one of the year’s most dangerous holidays
       on the road due to alcohol related crashes caused by those who drink and drive after 
       parties and festivities.  Waterloo Fire Rescue and the Waterloo Police Department
       want to remind residents to refrain from driving if you have been drinking.  If you drink,
       consider calling a taxi or a friend for a ride home, or assign a designated driver for the
       evening.  Our best piece of advise is don’t drive if you are alcohol impaired. 

       Captain John Beckman
       Waterloo Police Department
       319-291-4383