As the city preps for a night filled with costumes and candy, the EPPD is offering guidance to ensure that Halloween festivities remain a treat, with safety taking center stage. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to carry a flashlight or enhance visibility by adding reflective tape to costumes, says an EPPD bulletin.
Staying vigilant on the streets is crucial, with EPPD reminding parents to keep their little ghouls and boys on sidewalks and to always cross at crosswalks. The stakes are notably high on this night of revelry. Statistics indicate children are twice as likely to be struck and killed by cars on Halloween compared to any other day of the year, according to the City of Eden Prairie.
After the evening's excursion, inspecting the bounty becomes more than just a hunt for favorite sweets. As per the City of Eden Prairie, it's important to discard any treatment with damaged or torn wrappers — an easy yet critical step to safeguard against possible tampering.
For those setting up a spooky ambiance with jack-o-lanterns, the recommendation is to say no to traditional candles. EPPD endorses the use of battery-operated candles or glow sticks — simple alternatives designed to prevent any unwanted fires. Adult celebrations, while equally entwined in the Halloween spirit, have their own risks. The department points out that Halloween parties can lead to drinking and driving, a dangerous end to a night that should be full of merriment. Officers will be intensively patrolling for drunk drivers before, during, and after Halloween to ensure the safety of the community.
