As Halloween draws near, Boulder City is bracing for the festivities, and first responders are focusing their efforts on keeping the holiday free from preventable accidents. According to a report by Boulder City's officials, safety is a paramount concern. Trick-or-treaters are advised to stay alert, carry flashlights, and only approach houses with porch lights on. For the young and the restless, grouping up or trailing behind an adult is recommended, not to mention the importance of visibility—think bright colors and reflective materials—to whom cars are like phantoms in the night.
On a night when costumes crowd the streets, kids fueled by sugar may dart across roads heedless of the dangers lurking on wheels. "Drivers should be extra alert and drive slowly in residential areas, especially if you see children nearby," Police Chief Tim Shea told Boulder City announcements. He also suggested a 9:00 p.m. curfew for the kids and a lights-out policy for households to signify the end of treat-dispensing hours. The Boulder City Police are not taking any chances, promising increased patrols when October wanes into witching hours.
This past summer, safety measures tightened with the Boulder City Council's approval of a helmet mandate for minors engaging with the likes of bikes and e-scooters. Violations can slice a $150 fine or more from a parent's wallet. "Our paramedics have responded to some terrible injuries involving kids on e-scooters and e-bikes," said Fire Chief Kenneth Morgan. "We urge everyone to do whatever they can to keep our kids safe," as mentioned on the Boulder City website. For families in need, free bike helmets are still up for grabs at the Fire Department—a beacon of safety in the impending shadow of Halloween.
Animal Control is also preparing for a spike in their own form of trick-or-treating mischief, as pets sometimes don't take kindly to strangers—or their unusual outfits—crowding their turf. City Manager Ned Thomas advises caution when approaching costume-clad creatures. "Children should be cautious about approaching pets, especially animals that they do not know," Thomas explained on Boulder City. Furthermore, parents are reminded to thoroughly inspect their children's candy haul, particularly for those with food allergies or younger children at risk of choking hazards.
