Police remind citizens of Halloween safety tips

Recommended trick-or-treat hours are 4-8 P.M.

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Halloween is one week away and the La Crosse Police Department would like to remind citizens of some safety tips.

Trick-or-treating on Halloween is during the following hours this year:

City of La Crosse: 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Village of Holmen: 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Onalaska: 4:00PM – 8:00PM
West Salem: 4:00PM – 8:00PM
La Crescent: No set hours
Sparta: 4:00PM – 7:00PM
Tomah: 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Winona: No set hours

Motorists

– Be on the lookout for Trick-or-Treaters on sidewalks, in medians, at crossings, and in the streets
– Drive slower than usual to provide extra time to react
– Use caution when turning corners, entering or exiting driveways and alleys
– Turn on headlights – even during the day – to be more visible

Parents and Guardians

– Make sure young children are accompanied by a parent or other responsible person throughout the evening
– Create and discuss a plan for the areas that your Trick-or-Treaters will visit, don’t stray
– Stay within neighborhoods and visit homes you know, only approaching those with outdoor lights turned on
– Ensure costumes are weather-appropriate, short enough to prevent tripping and that masks don’t obstruct vision

Trick-or-Treaters

– Wear light-colored clothing or use reflective tape on the sides, front, and back of the costume
– If heading out in a big group, employ the “buddy system” – pair up and never let the other person roam away from the group
– Watch for traffic – even though you can see them, they may not see you
– Obey traffic rules, devices and signs, using sidewalks and crossings to travel through neighborhoods
– Carry a flashlight, but never flash it in the direction of a motorist
– Take all treats home to be examined before eating anything – throw away any item that isn’t wrapped or packaged by the original manufacture
– Stay away from pets as they may become scared and react to costumed people