Kids get ready for Halloween

Area residents have decorated their homes in preparation for Halloween Sunday night.

Halloween will be held on the traditional date, which falls on a Sunday, in Mountain Home this year, and local law enforcement is issuing its traditional warnings.

On base, Halloween is being observed on Saturday.

City police will have extra officers on patrol Halloween night, although Police Chief Tom Berry said he doesn't expect any serious problems.

Because of greater parental involvement and the city recreation department's Halloween Carnival, Berry said there have been few problems in recent years.

The city's annual Halloween Carnival will be held Sunday, Oct. 31, at Hacker Middle School from 6-8 p.m. for children 0 to 12 years.

The event will offer more than 20 game booths, concessions, face painting and "lots of candy and prizes for all."

The costume judging contest begins at 7 p.m.

There will be special treat bags given to individuals who donate glasses or hearing aids to the Mountain Home Lions Club. Members of the organization will be at the carnival to collect them.

The annual event is made possible through donations from local businesses, organizations and the community of Mountain Home.

Many people these days also hold private Halloween parties, but for those who choose to "trick or treat" door to door, Berry said he strongly encouraged parents to go along with their children.

He also noted, "we won't tolerate vandalism or theft from the little ones."

Berry said in all his years as police chief he has never seen a case of anyone tampering with the candy they hand out, "but it is just common sense that parents go through the items before they let their kids eat anything."

He urged drivers to be particularly careful Halloween night. "There's a lot of little ones who are pretty excited, and they'll be darting from house to house and across streets."

AAA Idaho says the fatality rate on Halloween night is four times higher than any other time of the year.

"Costumes, dark streets, cars and the growing popularity of adult Halloween parties where alcohol is consumed make Halloween potentially more dangerous for everyone," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson.

Authorities say parents need to make sure young, costumed trick-or-treaters intent on getting candy are armed with enough street smarts to keep them safe before they make their door-to-door rounds tins Halloween.

Trick-or-treaters should avoid masks that obstruct vision and costumes that reduce visibility. Motorists can also lend a hand by turning headlights on before dusk, slowing down, watching out for children, and by not drinking and driving.

Disguise your trick-or-treater with makeup instead of a mask to avoid obstructed vision. Make sure costumes have adequate reflective material, to assure your ghost or goblin is easy to see.

Always accompany trick-or-treaters to ensure their safety. Always be aware of motorized traffic in the neighborhood.

As motorists, keep a watchful eye for children darting into the street. Remember, the one thing to expect from children is that they often act unexpectedly. Drive 5 mph slower than the posted speed limits through residential areas.

Don't Drink and Drive. If you're going to drink, have a designated driver available.

Trick or treat while it's still light outside, if possible. Dusk is the most dangerous time for pedestrians. Carry a flashlight to see and be seen.

October also is National Dental Health Month, somewhat appropriately, and dental professionals are offering some tips as well for Halloween.

Serve a healthy supper before trick or treating to cut down on kids chowing down on the sweets, brush before bedtime and encourage kids to drink water during the day to help rinse away sugar.

Make sure candy is age appropriate. Children under five shouldn't get jawbreakers or hard candy, as they can chip teeth or cause choking, and consider handing out dried fruits, toys or coupons instead of candy.