Sioux City announces trick-or-treating hours

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - The Sioux City Police Department announced trick-or-treating will be observed from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31.

The police department has offered the following safety tips for a safe and fun Halloween.

For Parents and Trick-or-Treaters:

Halloween costumes should be made of fire-retardant material, well-fitting so walking is not interfered with, and the eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision.
Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles.
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Before allowing your children to eat any of the treats, examine them to be sure they are safe.
Stay in a group and communicate where you will be going.
Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
Never cut across yards or use alleys.
Only cross the street as a group at established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

For homeowners:

Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, flowerpots, pet leashes, etc.
Keep sidewalks, driveways, and yards free of trip hazards.
Light walkways and paths kids may take.
Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.

For Motorists:

Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.
On Halloween there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop, wait for them to pass.
Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.
Pull over to the side of the road to let passengers out.