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Halloween Safety Tips: Here's What Blue Bucket, Blue Jack O Lantern Mean

With Halloween just a few short days away, local law enforcement groups are spreading awareness of various safety tips for children, parents, homeowners and motorists.

Here are some tips to keep children, parents, homeowners and motorists safe this Halloween.

Here are some tips to keep children, parents, homeowners and motorists safe this Halloween.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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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