Beggars’ Night

The City of Bondurant Beggars’ Night on October 30th from 6 to 8 p.m.  For residents who will be distributing goodies, please light up your front door area indicating "beggars" are welcome. Be sure the sidewalk or path to the door is clear of debris or plants that might impair their walking. Please also keep pets inside; this will protect them from being frightened or inadvertently biting a child. Do not give homemade or unwrapped treats to children.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution during this annual event. In fact, children are four times more likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other night of the year. Be on alert for trick-or-treaters, avoid distractions, enter and exit driveways with caution.

Basic safety tips:

• Plan out a route in advance and check it during the daylight for obstacles, such as broken sidewalks, construction, or other obstacles that could trip up trick-or-treaters. Stay in familiar neighborhoods or areas.
• Designate an adult to accompany children at all times and designate a return time.
• Remind children to stop and assure it is safe before crossing the street.
• Encourage kids to walk, not run, and never cut across lawns or driveways.
• Carry a flashlight to allow your child to see and be seen.
• Children should never go into a residence unless the parents know the residents.
• Do not accept rides from anyone, including from people you know, without checking first with a trusted adult.
• Children should wear light-colored costumes or reflective wristbands to be easily seen in the dark.
• Be sure children wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes and avoid too large boots, princess high-heels, or other types of shoes often shown with costumes. Save these types of shoes for costume parties.
• Avoid costumes that drag on the ground. While cute initially, costumes that drag can trip up little feet or get caught on bushes.
• Apply face paint instead of wearing a mask to make sure vision is not obstructed.
• Purchased or handmade costumes should be flame retardant.
• There is safety in numbers. A responsible adult should accompany young children. Make sure older kids trick-or-treat with friends, know the area they will be going to, and provide a cell phone in case of emergencies.
• Parents should examine all items before children consume them and make sure they are all commercially made (vs. homemade or items appearing to be tampered with).
• Make sure your child knows parents' actual names (not Mom & Dad), addresses, and phone numbers.
• Make sure your child knows it's okay to say no to an adult. It is not rude to run away from someone if they are feeling bothered or uncomfortable. Halloween is a great opportunity to talk about personal safety. Teach your children to recognize tricks predators use to lure children.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!