Law enforcement offers tips for a safe Halloween

MOSES LAKE – Halloween is a time for fun, costumes and, of course, trick-or-treating. However, safety should always come first. Here are some essential tips from the Moses Lake Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office for parents and kids heading out to collect candy, as well as those planning to celebrate through parties. 

Trick or treating 

As children embark on their Halloween adventure, it’s crucial to ensure that they are accompanied by a responsible adult. Kyle Foreman, public information officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizes the importance of adult supervision. 

"Make sure that any kid going trick-or-treating has a responsible adult accompanying them,” Foreman said. “And that person stands at the sidewalk and watches the kids going up to the door, or maybe even goes up to the door just to provide that presence.” 

Visibility is key during nighttime activities. Costumes should incorporate reflective materials to enhance visibility. Foreman advises parents to add reflective strips to your kids' Halloween costumes, which can be found easily online, at Walmart or JoAnne’s.

Additionally, carrying a flashlight or light stick can help illuminate the path and make children more visible to motorists. 

Motorists should also remain vigilant, as children may dart unexpectedly between cars. Foreman wants to remind people to be mindful on roadways and use extra caution in areas where people are trick or treating. 

“Be careful and watch for kids who may be darting out from in between cars when they're going to be trick or treating,” Foreman said. “It's going to be dark, and in case one of those kids is in a dark costume and gets away from the responsible adult that's watching them, we don't want any kids to get hurt.” 

Parents should also park their vehicles safely and walk with their children, avoiding the distraction of following them in a vehicle.  

“Don’t follow your kids in the car,” Moses Lake Police Department Captain Jeff Sursely said. “Get out of the car and walk with your children, or park and wait for them to come back. I think one of the most dangerous things is when the parents creep down the roadway and kids are crossing the street back and forth and the cars are just going down the road following their kids.” 

Finally, parents should only accept commercially produced candy to minimize the risk of tampered goods.  

"We've had very few problems, our best advice to parents is only accept commercially produced candy," Foreman said. 

Planning to party 

Halloween festivities often include adult parties, where the potential for substance use can increase. For those choosing to celebrate, a safety plan is essential. Foreman recommends having a designated driver or utilizing rideshare services to ensure a safe return home.  

“Don't drink or use drugs and drive,” Foreman said. 

Sursely emphasized a similar sentiment, saying that people should have a plan pre-made on traveling after partying. 

“Historically, on our big weekends we don't have a lot of problems because people have a plan,” Sursely said. “They have a plan to designate a driver, or they have a plan to get a taxi, but just don't drink or use drugs and drive.” 

Sursely also said that for those going to party, they should not go alone. He emphasized being around people who are trustworthy and safe.  

If you or someone at your party experiences a medical emergency due to an overdose, it is vital to act quickly.  

“Call 911 right away. You’re not going to get in trouble for calling 911 if someone needs medical help,” Foreman said. 

As with any celebration, the best approach is to enjoy it responsibly.  

“Have a great time, it’s a time where kids get a little freedom and run around the neighborhood with friends and have safe fun,” Sursely said. “Go out and enjoy yourselves.”

    The Moses Lake Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office want to encourage those who decide to party to find a safe ride home and to not operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.