It used to be that if you needed help – with your rent, your gas bill, your grocery bill, or your abusive spouse – figuring out whom to call for that help was nearly as complicated as the problem itself.With trick-or-treating today in many communities, public safety officials have offered a series of tips to encourage a safe Halloween season.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Transportation encourage motorists, residents and trick-or-treaters to take safety precaution to prevent accidents as children don their costumes and collect candy from neighbors.
Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully with vehicle headlights on to make automobiles more visible to children. Drivers should also avoid talking on a cellphone or other distracting activities.
Trick-or-treaters are asked to use sidewalks wherever possible and should carry flashlights and look both ways before crossing the street. They should trick or treat only during hours designated by the community and should visit only familiar homes with the porch lights on. Older children should carry cellphones for quick communication, and younger children should be accompanied by an adult or older child. Children should never enter a home.
When buying costumes, trick-or-treaters should make sure the label says "flame resistant" and should avoid costumes made of flimsy materials or outfits with big sleeves or skirts. Costume makeup is preferred to masks, but if a mask is used, it should fit securely and have eyeholes large enough to allow full vision. The use of reflective tape can also help drivers spot children.
Homeowners expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything from lawns, steps and porches that could be an obstacle and should check outdoor lights. Pets should be restrained.
Children should not eat treats until they get home and an adult has inspected candy. Eat only candy that is wrapped in its original wrapper and inspect fruit before allowing children to eat it.
Below are the times for northeast Indiana.
Adams County
Decatur: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Allen County
Fort Wayne: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Grabill: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Huntertown: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Leo-Cedarville: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
New Haven: Halloween carnival at Schnelker Park 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31; trick or treat at downtown businesses 5 to 7 p.m.; regular trick or treat 6 to 8 p.m.
DeKalb County
Ashley: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Auburn: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Garrett: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Waterloo: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Huntington County
Andrews: 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Huntington: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Markle: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Roanoke: 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Warren: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Kosciusko County
Milford: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
North Webster: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Pierceton: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Silver Lake: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Syracuse: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Warsaw: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Winona Lake: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Noble County
Albion: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Avilla: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Cromwell: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Kendallville: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Ligonier: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Rome City: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Steuben County
Angola: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Clear Lake: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Fremont: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Hudson: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Wells County
Bluffton: "Boo in Bluffton" with downtown businesses, 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31; regular trick or treat 5 to 8 p.m.
Whitley County
Churubusco: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Columbia City: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
South Whitley: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
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