Halloween Fun In Stonebridge Crossing

SBC Residents,

You don't have to go trick or treating in Norfolk
to enjoy Halloween. There are many other events being held this
weekend for good,safe fun for the young and more experienced.
Go here: Halloween Events for a list of events and info on each.

For those who chose to go trick or treating with your young ones,
please observe the city's guidelines and ordinance regarding this activity.

Halloween Safety Tips For Trick Or Treaters

Carry a flashlight.
Walk, don't run.
Stay on Sidewalks.
Obey traffic signals.
Stay in familiar neighborhoods.
Don't cut across yards or driveways.
Wear a watch you can read in the dark.
Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground.
Shoes should fit (even if they don't go with your costume).
Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.
Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.
(If no sidewalk) walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.
Approach only houses that are lit.
Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.

Halloween Safety Tips For Parents

Have your child eat dinner before setting out.
Children should carry quarters so they can call home.
Young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.
To trick or treat in Norfolk, children must be 12 years of age or younger and must be off the streets by 8 p.m.
If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.
You should know where they're going.
Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.
Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.
Thoroughly examine fresh produce.

Halloween Safety Tips For Homeowners

Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.

Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them out of sight of trick or treaters to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.

Battery powered jack o'lantern candles are preferable to a real flame.
If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.

Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.

Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later.

Non-food treats: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, coins.

Have a safe and happy Halloween

Edward L. West Sr.