Lynn Police offer parent, kid safety tips for Halloween

Ghouls, goblins and ghosts will be out trick-or-treating Friday, and police have issued giving tips and reminders for a happy and safe Halloween.?The Lynn Police will have extra patrols working on Halloween night and urge drivers to proceed slowly and cautiously keeping in mind that a young child could unexpectedly run out into the street,” Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly said.To ensure safety trick-or-treating, police remind residents:? Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.? Children should not eat any treats until they return home and after an adult has checked them. Candies with open or damaged packages should be thrown away.? Children should stop only at well-lit houses or apartment buildings, and children should never enter a stranger’s home.? Establish a time when trick-or-treaters will return.? An adult or an older, responsible youth should always supervise younger children.? Stay aware of vehicle traffic on the street and keep young children within reach at all times.? Give trick-or-treaters flashlights so children can see better and be seen more clearly by motorists.? Bags or sacks carried by trick-or-treaters should be light-colored or trimmed with reflective tape.Costumes are a big part of Halloween. Remember:? Masks can obstruct vision ? make sure masks have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.? Use only fire-retardant material for costumes.? Costumes should be loose so children can wear warm clothes underneath.? Make sure costumes are not too long that they could cause a child to trip ? falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween, according to the National Safety Council.? Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.Homeowners:? Remove garden hoses, toys, bikes, lawn decorations and anything else a child could trip over from porch and lawns.? Check outdoor lights and replace any burned-out bulbs.? Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.Police are also inviting youngsters and their parents to the police station from 4-8 p.m. Friday to receive a treat. The police thank Allen Mathis, a manager at Walmart on the Lynnway, for donating treats and members of Girls Inc. for helping the department assemble candy bags.