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1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8086 * web: marysvillewa.gov News Release Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer Phone: (360) 363-8086 Cell: (425) 754-3641 [EMAIL REDACTED] Oct. 19, 2012 City of Marysville, Marysville Fire District offer Halloween safety tips MARYSVILLE – As the spookiest day of the year approaches, Marysville City, Police and Fire District officials want to help parents ensure that their kids have a safe and fun Halloween. Here are some Halloween safety tips for families and community members who get into the spirit of Halloween. Adults Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights and any exterior lights on. Patrol your street occasionally to discourage speeding motorists, acts of malicious mischief and crimes against children. Report any suspicious or criminal activity to police by calling 911 immediately. When choosing a costume for your children, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. If your child will be wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out. Candlelit jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of doorsteps and landings. Consider the possibility of using flashlights instead of candles to light jack-o-lanterns. Keep dogs and other pets away from doors so children will not become frightened. Drivers Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. Be on the alert for excited youngsters, who may move unpredictably darting out into traffic, and whose vision may be obscured by Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children from greater distances. Drive slowly and be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of small children. Costumes and Treats Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and choose light colored costumes to improve visibility. Choose face paint and make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision. Look for non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup. Avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as to be seen by drivers. Liquid in glow sticks is hazardous, so parents should remind children not to chew on or break them. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8086 * web: marysvillewa.gov Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped. Parents and children Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult. Set a time limit for your children to “trick-or-treat,” and designate a specific route for them to take if they are old enough to trick-or-treat without your supervision. Never trick-or-treat alone. Go with at least two friends for the entire evening. Carry a lightweight flashlight and use it so drivers can see you and you can see hazards in the street as well as other people. Cross only at street corners, never between parked cars, and never diagonally across an intersection. Look in all directions before crossing the street, and obey all traffic signals. Walk - never run - across the street, and use sidewalks, not the street, for walking. Do not accept rides from strangers. Parks officials also remind community members that all City parks are closed at dusk. These tips are courtesy of the City of Marysville, Marysville Police and Crime Prevention, and Marysville Fire District. For more tips on Halloween safety and overall fire safety for kids and families, visit the National Fire Protection Association at http://sparky.org/parentpage/parents.htm