Careful on Halloween

Published 12:52 am Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Selma City Council has chosen Saturday for official celebration of Halloween because the date of Oct. 31 falls on a Sunday.

This is a good decision. Sunday is a day of religious activity and many are in churches or other houses of worship that day. To detract from that would cause consternation among many believers, including those with children who would want to take their children trick or treating.

On Saturday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., parents will take children out to collect treats [and a few tricks will surface here and there]. It’s important to remember these children and their parents are on the streets that hour of day. Motorists should take care and remember pedestrians always have the right of way.

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Those with children also need to remember some basic safety rules. Ensure your child’s costume is safe, meaning if it doesn’t have reflective tape, buy a roll and put it at strategic places, so motorists can spot them on a cloudy day or at sunset.

Parents should go with their children to supervise. Older children should pair up and stay together.

Watch the treats. There are people in the world who are sick, sick individuals. They might tamper with treats. Parents should toss out those goodies not individually wrapped. Check each item before it’s eaten. If in doubt, through out the item.

Halloween is a good time. Many good memories come from photos of costumes past and some gentle tricks played among neighborhood friends and relatives.

But the key is safety. Remember the rules to preserve the memories of good times.