Editorial

Keeping our kids safe at Halloween

Posted 10/26/22

The creator of “Trunk or Treat” must be a genius. Originally started by church groups with the aim of providing a safer environment for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, trunk or treat …

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Editorial

Keeping our kids safe at Halloween

Posted

The creator of “Trunk or Treat” must be a genius. Originally started by church groups with the aim of providing a safer environment for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, trunk or treat involves a community coming together in a parking lot, so that children can trick-or-treat out of the decorated trunks of their car.

The setup is simple: Cars gather in a centralized location, usually a public parking lot, and families can hop from parking spot to parking spot without making the big trek between houses. The parking lot is well-lighted and is more desirable that having kids wander along darkened roads or streets after hours. Better still, many of these events are now taking place during daylight hours and under the watchful eye of anxious parents.

It’s an opportunity to be creative. At the Town of Plattekill’s annual trunk or treat last Saturday, many of the trunks were sponsored by local businesses and political candidates. The goodwill gesture doubles as an opportunity to promote your business or that candidate.

Recent events throughout the nation have given parents more reason to fear for their childrens’ safety. The last thing most of them would want is to have their children wandering outside after dark, knocking on doors of strangers and asking for candy. Parents these days will caution their children against accepting candy or other treats from strangers, so why should we want them to go trick or treating? That’s why it’s better to plan supervised activities where kids can be safe.

Some other rules are basic:

• Make sure the costumes are non-flammable and contain no toxins.

• For those who do go out after dark, add bright colors or reflective tape to the costumes.

• Always accompany small children all the way to the door.

• Always inspect the candy or treats before allowing anyone to eat them.

Like so many holidays, technology has helped this one evolve. Costumes and decorations are far more sophisticated than in years past. Let’s just make sure it’s also a safe celebration.