Phoenix Fire Department offers safety tips ahead of Halloween weekend

PHOENIX — Costumes and trick-or-treating make Halloween special for everyone, but there can also be risks that have the potential to become truly scary.

The Phoenix Fire Department hopes to prevent any tragedies this Halloween by sharing tips with the community to help families celebrate the holiday safely on Sunday.

The department encourages adults to accompany any little ones going trick-or-treating, and Phoenix Fire Captain Scott Douglas wants those chaperoning to also be paying close attention.

“That means crossing at crosswalks, they’re taking their phones and putting their phones down and picking their heads up – to make sure that they’re not distracted,” Douglas told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Drivers are also asked to be aware of their surroundings.

Most trick-or-treaters will start around 5:30 p.m, or 6 p.m. Douglas encourages drivers to turn their headlights on, slow down and be on high alert with little ones running from house to house collecting candy.

The department also asks pedestrians to be on high alert, look both ways before crossing and stick to sidewalks when they can.

“Another thing that’s very helpful is if the kids put glowsticks on or parents can even tie reflective tape on the kids,” Douglas added.

It is also recommended that the child’s costume fits properly to avoid tripping.

Lastly, ensure all the candy collected is fully wrapped and make sure kids don’t ingest anything that could have bad side effects.

Douglas said peanut allergy 911 calls are frequent on and after the Halloween holiday.

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