CHIEF ORTIZ ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO ENSURE A SAFE HALLOWEEN FOR THEIR CHILDREN (10/30/2006) NEW HAVEN – Chief Francisco Ortiz, Jr. is encouraging parents to ensure that their child’s Halloween is a safe one with the following recommendations: • Adults should always accompany their children. • Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight while out after dusk. • Wear light-colored clothing that’s short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of your costume. • Make sure children can see well through face masks or use cosmetics to create funny or scary faces. • Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know. • Give and accept only wrapped or packaged candy. • Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it. • Keep costumed children away from pets. The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened. • Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber, which is soft and flexible.