Be safe this Halloween

Sunday is Halloween in Mountain Home, and we can't stress enough how important it is to be safe.

Drivers need to be keenly aware of little ghosts and goblins rushing into the street as they run door to door seeking candy.

And trick-or-treaters themselves should be dressed in costumes that can clearly be seen in a car's headlights as they stand at the edge of the road.

Smaller children should be accompanied by an adult who keeps a close eye on them. In fact, if you're old enough to go out on your own, you're probably getting a little too old to go trick or treating.

Halloween has evolved over the years, and today as many people attend private or public parties as there are on the streets. In Mountain Home, several churches provide special events and the city's Super Safe Halloween Party at Hacker Middle School is annually a huge hit, with fun and games, costume contests and candy for the kids. It's like a big carnival with everyone dressed up. And it's safe. We recommend it.

Always think safety first, but don't be too paranoid. Adulterated candy is largely a myth, and the hospital won't let you use their x-ray machine to check for pins and needles.

What they don't want to do is have to use their x-ray machine to check for broken bones if a child is hit by a car.

Remember that if someone turns off their porch light, they are declining to participate in Halloween (or have run out of candy). Please respect that.

And vandalism is not a part of Halloween. It's a crime. Besides all the criminal penalties and records you'd accumulate when caught, you also will have to pay for the damages.

Enjoy Halloween, but show respect for others and please be safe.