Halloween is fun, or at least it can be. The key to keeping it fun is keeping it safe.
Over the past few weeks, the biggest question has been what you are going to wear. Now, your concern should be about what is safe.
Halloween is a time to dress up, pretend and simply have fun at all kinds of Halloween-related activities, from costume parties to trick-or-treating.
We encourage everyone to do that, whether you’re a kid or you just want to act like one. But follow your community’s allotted time slot and remember to keep close watch to ensure your children are safe.
Most towns in McHenry County have set their trick-or-treating hours Thursday from midafternoon to early evening. Some go well past when it gets dark.
And many overlap with the afternoon rush hour. So remember to take your time getting home. And watch out for small witches, princesses and monsters wandering around your neighborhood.
Many times, those children will have on masks or face paint that will likely block some of their vision. They also will be very excited because, after all, this is a pretty fun holiday with all the candy passed around.
So parents should make sure to keep it safe. Wear something bright, not dark. Use reflective tape. Carry a flashlight (and use it). And make sure your children know that motorists can’t see them as well as they can see cars.
For those with older children, make sure to talk with them about the right and wrong way to celebrate the holiday. Having fun is good; property damage is bad.
Enjoy yourself, make sure your family has a night to remember, but also make sure to think about keeping them safe.