Trick-or-treating safety tips

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Grand Rapids Police Department offers the following tips to keep Halloween and trick-or-treating safe:

• Do not trick-or-treat alone. Go with parents or adult friends.
• Wear light colored or reflective clothing after sundown.
• Wear flame-retardant materials.
• Avoid billowy costumes and wigs.
• Props such as magic wands and swords should be made from cardboard rather than metal or wood.
• Do not wear a mask that blocks or restricts your vision.  
• Obey all traffic safety rules.
• Walk on sidewalks; do not walk in the street.  If you must walk in the street, walk on the left side facing traffic.
• Carry and use a flashlight.
• Trick-or-treat only in your own neighborhood.
• Do not go into any stranger's home or car, even if you are offered candy.
• Do not eat any candy or other food until your parents examine it.
• Homeowners should have outside porch lights on where trick-or-treaters are welcome.
• Drivers should be especially aware and observant when driving through residential neighborhoods.