City offers tips to help keep trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As residents gear up for Halloween activities, the City of Grand Rapids Police Department is reminding families of simple steps they can take to help keep children safe throughout the evening.

• Recommended trick or treating hours are from 6 to 8 p.m.
• If you are welcoming trick-or-treaters, turn on your front porch light.
• Only visit homes with a lit front porch light.
• Trick or treat with a parent or adult chaperone; go in groups if possible.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing; make sure masks don’t obscure vision, including peripheral vision.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Consider going house to house on the same side of the street and then double back on the other side. This will reduce the need to cross the street. Use crosswalks/cross only at corners.
• Walk on sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk on the left side facing traffic.
• Do not go into any stranger’s home or car even if you are offered candy.
• Don’t let kids eat any candy or other food until it has been checked by an adult.
• Drivers should be especially aware and observant when driving through residential neighborhoods.

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