NEWS RELEASE-On Monday, October 31, 2011, the Halloween celebration will be observed in Eau Claire. The Eau Claire Police Department wishes to pass along these safety tips to ensure that participants will have a happy and safe Halloween:

Children’s visits should be made from 5:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.

Residents who wish to welcome trick-or-treaters should leave a door or porch light on.

Children should be advised to only visit homes with outside lights on.

Children who participate in trick-or-treating should be supervised by a responsible person who is not trick-or-treating.

Children should only cross at crosswalks or intersections of streets.

Never cross a street from between parked cars, mid-block, or run into the street.

Motorists should exercise extreme caution during the hours of Halloween activities and be aware of unpredictable movements by children.

Halloween costumes should be light in color, short enough to prevent tripping and made of non-flammable material.

For greater visibility, costumes may be decorated with reflective tape or glow sticks.

Trick-or-treaters should also carry a flashlight. Facial makeup should be used whenever possible as masks tend to obstruct vision.

Instruct children not to eat their treats until a responsible adult has inspected them.

Only give and accept wrapped or packaged treats.

Keep costumed children away from pets as the costume may frighten the pet.

HAVE A SAFE AND FUN HALLOWEEN! ~ The Eau Claire Police Department