Departments issue tips for Halloween fun

The Springfield Fire Department and the Missouri Department of Transportation ask parents to take a few precautions to ensure the night of candy gathering doesn’t take a bad turn.

The Fire Department encourages parents to:

• Buy only costumes that are flame-resistant;

• Use flashlights instead of candles;

• Instruct children to stay away from open flames;

• Teach children to stop, drop and roll if their costumes catch fire;

• Use costumes that are bright or have reflective tape or stickers;

• Use glow sticks or flashlights while walking; and

• Check candy before eating.

All Springfield fire stations will be giving out candy to trick-or-treaters 5:30–8:30 p.m. tonight.

In light of the increased risk for pedestrian accidents on Halloween, the Department of Transportation also has some tips for Halloween safety:

• Walk on sidewalks;

• When trick-or-treaters must walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay close to the edge of the road; and

• Don’t assume a vehicle is aware of pedestrians or is going to stop.