Halloween: Suspicious Candies Should Be Taken to Police

On Halloween ghosts and goblins aren't the only dangers out in the street. Safe Kids Vermont is reminding trick-or-treaters, parents and drivers to use caution when roaming the streets Saturday evening.

Photo: Halloween: Suspicious Candies Should Be Taken to Police

According to Safe Kids Vermont, an average of twice as many children are killed while walking on Halloween compared with other days of the year.

Excited children, costumes and darkness can combine to make dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. The organization is offering advice to prevent accidents on Halloween.

"The simple act of slowing down on neighborhood roads will not only make the tricks and treats of Halloween more enjoyable for everyone, but also it could save lives," said Catherine Suiter, Safe Kids Vermont coordinator. "Children younger than age 10 should not cross streets at night without an adult. If older kids are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, parents should make sure they go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting," BurlingtonFreePress.com reports.

It was also reported, the scariest part of this holiday is the increased risk of injury for trick-or-treaters.

Saratoga Hospital and the Consumer Product Safety Division offer these tips for safe trick-or-treating:

Whenever possible, use non-toxic face paint instead of a mask. If your child wears a mask, make sure the eye holes and nose hole do not restrict vision or breathing.

Make sure costumes are “flame resistant.” Avoid baggy sleeves and long, full skirts.

Choose costumes that are light and bright. Apply reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

Insist that your child wear appropriate walking shoes (even if they don’t match the costume).

Check to see that hats, masks and other accessories fit securely.

Give your child a flashlight, The Saratogian reports.

News agencies also report, trick-or-treat hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 in Bolingbrook.

A main piece of advice centers on possible tampering with candy. Parents should check all wrappers for signs of tampering. Suspicious items should then be brought to the Bolingbrook Police Station for examination.

"Halloween should be about good times and fun with friends and family, yet sadly each year we see kids who are injured while trick-or-treating," said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "Many of these injuries are easily prevented if a parent or guardian were to take some very simple precautions."

ACEP and MedicAlert Foundation are partnering to promote EmergencyCareforYou.org and to educate the public about medical emergencies, Bolingbrook Sun reports.