BOO! Halloween is just around the corner, bringing with it questions about Trick-or-Treating in the City of Ferndale. Read on for information about Halloween hours and tips to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

DOES FERNDALE HAVE OFFICIAL TRICK-OR-TREATING HOURS?

No; the City does not set or enforce specific dates or times for community Trick-ot-Treating. We simply recommend that families follow general guidelines and be courteous to each other:

• Respect homes that aren't participating/have their lights off
• If streets have quieted/emptied of Trick-or-Treaters, it's a good sign that it's time to wrap up activities for the evening
• Pay attention to pedestrians on streets and sidewalks

SAFETY TIPS

The most important thing on Halloween is ensuring everyone's health and safety The Ferndale Police Department recommends the following safety tips. Please take a moment to review and discuss these recommendations with your kids.

Costume Safety

• All costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
• Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

When They're on the Prowl

Here's a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents. Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night:

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
• Agree on a specific time children should return home
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween

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