Let's make a busy Halloween night a safe one, too

Halloween will be different in McCook tonight, with the Bison in a football playoff game in town and, no, no one has officially decided to move trick-or-treating to Saturday night as some rumors have contended.

Church youth groups are collecting food for the McCook Pantry, and we encourage everyone to do what they can to meet that growing need.

But we do hope parents and the public will do everything they can to make this a safe holiday for the youngest revelers.

The McCook Police Department, which is tasked with preserving the peace and keeping us safe, offers some reminders:

* Set time restraints and limit the neighborhoods children should visit. Make sure they stay on sidewalks and don't cut through yards, alleys or playing fields, and stay in well-lit areas.

* Don't let children go to strange houses or get into strangers' cars.

* Use only fire-resistant costumes that are visible in the dark and are not a tripping hazard.

* Make sure kids can see through their masks, or use face paint.

* Adults should accompany children, and use flashlights after dark.

* Watch out for traffic, and drivers should be extra careful in neighborhoods or Norris Avenue.

* Accept only commercial, wrapped candy, not homemade.

* Keep pets away from children in costumes.

* Avoid hard plastic or wooden props such as daggers and swords; use foam rubber instead.

* All homes that want trick-or-treaters should turn yard lights on, and make sure that the path to your door is not obstructed to prevent tripping and injuries. Use glow sticks for safe lighting of jack-o-lanterns and other decorations.

* Call the police department to report any kind of suspicious or criminal activity.

* Parents should check all treats before children are allowed to eat them and make sure they have not been tampered with.

It's going to be a busy night; let's all do our best to make it a safe, enjoyable one as well.