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One tip growing in popularity is the use of blue candy buckets and Jack O Lanterns for children diagnosed with Autism, according to the Darien Police Department.
“Although not officially yet endorsed by Autism Advocacy groups, a trend that has gained momentum over the past two years is the use of a blue Halloween candy bucket to identify an individual diagnosed with Autism,” said Darien Police Captain Jeremiah P. Marron Jr. “The symbol of the blue bucket or blue Jack O Lantern is a subtle way to alert others that a child or young adult may not be able to make eye contact, or tolerate wearing a mask, or even say ‘thank you’ or ‘trick or treat.’”
Children, parents, homeowners and motorists should keep these safety tips in mind throughout the night:
Tips for parents:
- Always escort your children and bring a flashlight.
- Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or-treating.
- Set a specific time for your children to be out.
- Always know who is trick-or-treating with your children.
- Walk on the sidewalks, not in the middle of the street.
- Instruct your children never to enter any homes.
- Remain in well-lighted areas.
- Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.
- Choose fireproof and comfortable costumes made of light-colored material so they can be easily seen in the dark.
- Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes to increase visibility.
- Have children avoid wearing eye makeup or masks, which will restrict their vision.
- Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords or toys that can be mistaken for the real thing.
- Give out only commercially wrapped candy.
- Teach children their home and/or parent’s cellular phone number in case they get lost.
- Consider a Halloween party at your residence instead of going out to trick-or-treat.
Tips for trick-or-treaters:
- Avoid trick-or-treating alone.
- If props are carried, they should be made of soft rubber, Styrofoam, or other pliable material.
- Avoid taking shortcuts, especially through alleys.
- Obey all traffic signals and look in all directions when crossing the street.
- Walk - don’t run - to your intended destination and avoid darting in and out of cars or driveways. If there are no side-walks stay as far left of the roadway as possible.
- Walk in the direction facing traffic.
- Only trick-or-treat at homes with their porch light on. Never approach a car offering candy.
- Wait until you return home to enjoy any treats.
Tips for homeowners:
- Turn on your porch light so children know it is safe to visit your home.
- If you are placing a Jack O Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick inside instead of a candle.
- Hand out only commercially wrapped candy.
- Never invite children into your home.
- Keep pets away from children.
- Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstruction.
- If using candles, keep them away from the path of children.
- Immediately notify the Darien Police Department of any suspicious activity (203-662-5300) or dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Tips for motorists:
- Drive slowly and cautiously.
- Look for children walking on the street, running, and darting in between parked vehicles.
- Be extra careful when entering and exiting driveways.
- Play your music at a reasonable volume so you can listen for potential children crossing your path.
- Do not use your cell phone and never drink and drive.
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