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Halloween in spooky times

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BY MARK SCHANTZ

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: October 31, 2009

Law enforcement and emergency service officials recommend being extra cautious in these spooky times, so Halloween doesn't turn out to be too scary.

There are many ways to be safe and still have fun, Tarpon Police Lt. Barb Templeton said. On Halloween police always plan for more patrols to contain anyone bent on causing trouble, grief or mischief.

Templeton said it is recommended that youngsters and adults attend safe Halloween events, where they can feel welcome rather than trek door-to-door as traditional trick-or-treaters.
Tarpon Springs will provide two opportunities for Halloween revelry on Saturday, Oct. 31. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., youngsters and their parents are invited to the Tarpon Springs Community Center on Walton Avenue for holiday fun, and then from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. everyone is invited to downtown Tarpon Avenue for a spooky street party.

In downtown Palm Harbor, a Halloween concert, street party and costume contests for all age groups is planned from 1 to 11 p.m. on Florida Avenue.

Dunedin plans its annual family Halloween celebration, complete with haunted hayrides and games, from 5 to 10 p.m. outside the Dunedin Community Center in Highlander Park on Michigan Avenue and Pinehurst Road.

If they trick-or-treat in neighborhoods, parents should know where their children plan to travel. A responsible adult or teen should accompany each group. It should be along a well-lighted route in an area that the family knows. Children should stay in their own neighborhood and only go to houses which have porch lights turned on, Templeton advised.

It is important to tell youngsters never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat, she added.

Those who decide to trek along dark streets wearing costumes are warned that guns, rifles, swords or knives can look very real to bystanders or officers. It is recommended that props be made of Styrofoam, cardboard or colors that don't resemble the real thing, she said. Don't wave weapons in front of officers or anyone else as a joke.

To remain safe it is also suggested costumes be kept simple and be made from fire retardant or fireproof materials, she said.

Long and fancy costumes can cause children to trip. Those donning a costume should be able to see where they are going. Instead of wearing masks, paint faces with makeup. This will give a clear field of vision to see at night, safety officials recommend.

Costumes should be made of white or light colored materials easily seen at night or at dusk by motorists. It is strongly recommended that costumes include reflective patches, strips or spray can to make characters more visible along dark streets.

Children should be aware that certain pets and animals may react negatively to costumes or having items waved at them in a menacing manner.

Liz Monforti, Palm Harbor Fire spokeswoman, said everyone should consider fire safety while decorating. Do not block exit doors or overload electrical outlets with holiday lights and gadgets. Keep illuminated and items and thosese that give off heat away from drapes, decorations that can be flammable or where children or pets can get to them.

It is a good plan to remove tripping hazards from porches or walkways so visiting trick-or-treaters do not get injured, she explained.

To avoid accidents, tell youngsters not to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard while wearing costumes. Remove masks or items that limit eyesight before crossing a street or driveway. It is best to confine pets away from scary sights and sounds, she added.

Pedestrians are advised to obey all traffic rules and watch for motorists who may not see someone walking along the road in a dark costume, she said. Don't assume a motorist will see a costumed character. At least one person in each group should carry a flashlight. Cross only at corners and never between parked cars or in the middle of the block. Walk on the sidewalk and not in the road. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

In these times, it is wise to never eat anything until after an adult inspects the treats. If there is no adult available, youngsters should be very careful not to eat anything that is in a loose-fitting wrapper and may have been rewrapped. Notify the police if harmful items are found.

Police and fire officials said they just want parents and youngsters to be proactive when it comes to Halloween safety so the holiday does not turn out to be too frightful.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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