Tips for staying safe this Halloween

Did you know that kids are twice as likely to get hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year?

That’s according to SafeKids.org, they have plenty of tips for parents who are taking young ghouls out trick-or-treating this Halloween.

Some of the tips included on the SafeKids website are:

• Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours

Today, we spoke to the Duluth Police Department about tips to keeping yourself and others safe.

Public Information Officer Mattie Hjelseth says that whether you’re out driving or on the streets distraction will be everywhere. “When you’re out driving this weekend, make sure you’re turning those headlights on and taking it slow through neighborhoods.”

“If you’re a parent, consider sending your child with some glow sticks or a flashlight. You can also use reflective tape as a part of the costume,” said Hjelseth.

She notes that if your kids are going out trick-or-treating without you, to encourage them to stay in groups and check for any opened candy while trick-or-treating.

There will be increased patrolling on Halloween night so Hjelseth says “if you see something, say something.”

The Duluth Police Department is set to release their safety tips on their Facebook Thursday.