Sgt. Ernie Tubbs explaining to Genet Elementary School students about how they can go Trick or Treating safely on Halloween.

Local police officers are visiting East Greenbush elementary schools leading up to Halloween to provide Trick or Treating safety tips to students. The goal is to keep children safe when they are out walking neighborhoods in search of candy.

Officer Ed Ashley giving Halloween safety tips to students at Genet Elementary School.

“While ghosts and goblins, witches and zombies get a bad wrap for Halloween, the true risks for children out trick or treating are vehicle traffic and being seen,” said Officer Ed Ashley, the Columbia School Resource Officer who made a visit to Genet Elementary School with Sgt. Ernie Tubbs on Wednesday. “Today’s Halloween safety presentation focused on pedestrian safety, knowing where you can go to safely enjoy Halloween and how to stay in groups with a trusted adult.”

Other elementary schools will have Halloween Safety presentations later this week and on Monday.

Halloween Safety Tips:

• Costumes
  • Costumes should be loose fitting so warm clothing can be worn underneath, if needed
  • If wearing a mask, make sure you can see out of it
  • Wear reflective clothing or use glowsticks to be more visible at night
  • Carrying a flashlight will help you see better and be seen more clearly
• Trick or Treating
  • Eat something before going Trick or Treating
  • Trick or Treat with a group that includes grownups and stay in familiar areas
  • Only stop at houses that are well-lit
  • Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street so you can see oncoming traffic.
  • Walk, do not run, from house to house
  • DO NOT enter homes or apartments unless you know the person and you are accompanied by your parent/guardian
  • Never enter a stranger’s home
  • Do not eat anything that is opened or not packaged