Staff Writer

For some, Halloween means trick-or-treating, but it should mean safety for everyone.

Local officials are hoping everyone will keep safety on their minds.

In Brundidge, city leaders are asking everyone to forgo trick-or-treating and come out for a carnival being help on the grounds of City Hall.

Between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Brundidge residents can bring their children and grandchildren to the safe, family event that will include plenty of candy and activities, Brundidge Police Chief Moses Davenport said.

In Troy, trick-or-treating is still on, but authorities want everyone to be cautious.

Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford reminded "everyone to be extra careful" Wednesday night and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

The Troy Police Department will have extra officers on duty to respond to any needs and prevent problems.

"To ensure everyone has a good Halloween, we want everyone to be safe and use good common sense," Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage said.

Citizens are being urged to participate in planned activities that will provide a safe environment.

For those in Troy who choose trick-or-treating as a way to celebrate Halloween, there are some simple safety tips to follow:

· Children should always be told to bring their treats home before eating them so parents can check them to ensure they have are safely sealed and have not been subject to tampering. Some candy products have a white powdery material or a fine sugary residue on them. Be careful with fruit. Inspect the surfaces closely for punctures or holes, wash it thoroughly and cut it open before allowing a child to eat it. Any suspicious fruits, candy, toys or novelty items should be thrown away.

· Accompany children under age 12 on their trick-or-treat rounds. Only go to houses or apartments where the residents are known.

· Attach the name, address and phone number (including area code) of children under age 12 to their clothes in case they get separated from adults.

· Teach children their phone number and make sure they have change for a phone call in case they have a problem away from home.

· Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along a pre-established route.

· Children should be told never to enter a home or apartment building unless accompanied by an adult.

· Set a time for children to return home.

· Restrict trick-or-treating to homes with porch or outside lights illuminated.

· Remove breakable items or obstacles, such as tools, ladders and children’s toys from steps, lawn and porch.

· Keep jack-o-lanterns lit with candles away from landings or doorsteps where costumes might brush against the flame.

· Apply face paint or cosmetics, rather than masks to children’s faces. Any masks worn should be securely fitted and have eye holes large enough so the child can see.

· Costumes should be short enough and shoes should fit to avoid tripping; hats should fit well and not cover eyes.

· Only allow children to carry flexible knives, swords or other props so they won’t hurt themselves or anyone else.

· Teach children not to cut across lawns because of hidden hazards.

· Decorate costumes and treat containers with reflective tape and stickers. Costumes should also be light colored do motorists can see them.

· Children should be reminded to walk and not run while trick-or-treating; stop, look and listen at corners or crosswalks before crossing the street.

· Carry flashlights.