Mwaaahahahahahamuahahahahahaa – Thats my best spooky movie monster laugh, did it work? Are you scared?
Yeah, didn’t think so. Here comes the night many kids wait for all year, the night where happy little ones fill their candy buckets and bags with treats and moms pick through after they’ve gone to bed for their favorites (Butterfingers for Kristin!)
As much amazing fun trick or treating is, every year we hear of at least one fatality and many more injuries from pedestrian car accidents.
First… Lets do some mythbusting:
Myth: My kids candy is poison!!
Truth: Probably not. While its still good common sense to check over candy for unwrapped, soiled, or unapproved treats… chances are your neighbors aren’t out to murder your little ones.
Myth: Candy from China is poison!!
Truth: Some was tainted with Melamine. But that was back in 2008, and was recalled. Chances are, everything is safe now- but if you have questions about anything your kids bring home, this is a great website to check for up to date recalls. http://www.foodsafety.gov/recalls/index.html
Sunset should be around 6:30pm on Halloween Day!
Now that we’ve got that out of the way; lets discuss some ways to make sure your kids ARE safe, happy, and healthy this Halloween!
1. Use a flashlight. You might not need it to actually “see” but it helps others see you. When crossing streets, swing and move the flashlights – don’t point them at drivers or anything, but moving them back and forth across the ground will help drivers see you.
2. Wear glowsticks, if you are handing out treats- consider handing them out! Again, use caution and common sense when crossing roadways, but glowsticks will help drivers see you before its too late.
3. Don’t assume drivers can see you! Halloween has a history of being a stormy night, which lowers visibility for drivers. Of course drivers need to be aware and careful, especially when they know there will be little ones running around, but pedestrians need to do their part to be responsible as well. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean another will.
4. PLEASE slow down, and don’t you dare let me catch you texting and driving! Its Halloween. You know there will be little ones in dark outfits filling the streets of Ogden. Be a responsible driver and do your part to avoid any accidents and conflicts.
5. Drinking and Driving? Seriously? Just don’t. Is your night out more important than someones life? The answer is no. Absolutely not. Call a cab, bum a ride with a friend, walk home. Do whatever it takes – but please don’t be that guy.
6. Only go to homes with the porch light on. Number one, because its a sign they are generally welcome for trick or treaters and because a turned off porch light generally means “go away, I’m watching scary movies in my jammies”. Number two, because approaching a house in the dark is unsafe- especially because those tend to be the jerks that sit really still and jump out at you when you reach for the candy bowl. Not cool bro, not cool.
7. Stay in groups. Common sense there! Groups are more visible, groups are more fun, and groups are more likely to take on a zombie hoard successfully.
Some alternatives to “neighborhood” trick or treating:
Trunk or Treat: South Ogden Junior High, Tuesday 10/30, 5:30-6:30, FREE, “A safe alternative to door to door trick or treating. Children visit decorated parked cars to collect tricks or treats. Please have cars parked and decorated by 5:30 Prizes for best decorated “trunk” Pooch Parade Dress up your furry family members too! Enter your pooch in the Pooch Parade —- Halloween Costume Contest just for DOGS! “ For more information call Christy McBride (801)622-2705.
Broadview University in Layton is having their second annual Trunk or Treat on Wed, October 31st from 4pm-6pm. Kids can enjoy free candy, games, crafts, a Tumble Bus and music. Located at 869 West Hill Field Road, right next to Sam’s Club. Sponsored by Broadview University, Sams Club, Tumble Bus, Only in Ogden, Spirit Halloween, Mix 107.9 and ChickFilA.
About Kristin
