Trick-or-Treating Information for Laurel Residents

From the City of Laurel:

Mayor Craig A. Moe has declared that Halloween Trick-or-Treat in the City of Laurel will be on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In order for all children to be safe, Mayor Moe requests that parents make sure their children have costumes that are flame resistant, will reflect light and be visible in the dark of the early evening hours. City officials ask that everyone be on the alert for trick-or-treaters in their neighborhood; walk with caution, drive with care.

Laurel Police Chief Richard McLaughlin advises residents to leave their porch lights on if they wish to receive trick-or-treaters at their homes.

Halloween safety tips:

• When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
• It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candles in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.