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Tips for a safe Halloween

Tiffany Sukola | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years AGO
by Tiffany SukolaHerald Staff Writers
| October 31, 2013 1:00 PM

GRANT COUNTY - Whether it's a harvest festival, downtown event, party or simply trick-or-treating through the neighborhood, there are several ways to make sure everyone stays safe during Halloween.

Both the Moses Lake Business Association and Ephrata Chamber of Commerce are hosting downtown trick-or-treat events, meaning those areas will be congested Thursday evening. Ephrata City Administrator Wes Crago is urging both drivers and pedestrians to be cautious.

"Due to the high volume of traffic, and the large numbers of families walking with their children, the City is asking drivers to proceed very slowly and carefully through downtown or avoid the area altogether if possible," he said. "We also encourage event participants to be defensive and use common sense when crossing streets, wearing costumes and walking during the evening. Making sure that every walker can see, and be seen by drivers, is very important."

Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Sands also reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention, especially when driving in neighborhoods, and to make sure parents check all the items collected by children before they eat them to make sure that there are no homemade treats and that no items have been tampered with.

The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Halloween trick-or-treat event is from 4-6 p.m. at participating businesses. A Halloween Carnival will also be held at the Ephrata Senior Center on C Street. More information on Ephrata events can be found at www.ephratawachamber.com.

The MLBA's LakeTown Landing trick-or-treat event is from 5-7 p.m. at Third Avenue and Sinkiuse Square downtown.

Parents can also check the sex offender registry before heading out. Information on sex offenders in Grant County can be found at www.sheriffalerts.com.

More safety tips from Safekids.org:

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child's vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
  • Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  • Children younger than age 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

There will also be an opportunity for kids to get candy at the Moses Lake High School's trick or treat event. The event is free, but the high school will be collecting canned goods for the Moses Lake Food Bank as well as holding a coin drive for UNICEF.

Kids ages 2 to 10 can trick or treat at the high school from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Covenant Church of Moses Lake is holding their annual Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be carnival games, candy, fellowship and a performance from the church's Legendary Youth Dance Team.

Covenant Church is located at 1001 N. Grape Dr. in Moses Lake.

The United Methodist Church, 117 C St. NW, will be holding a Trunk-or-Treat event in their parking lot from 4 to 6 p.m. as well.

In Quincy, residents can stop by several downtown businesses to trick or treat. More than a dozen businesses, including Akins, Les Schwab, Key Bank and The Grainery, are participating.

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