Tips for Safe Trick or Treating

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With Halloween right around the corner, the Aspetuck Health District is encouraging the community to practice the following tips for a safer and fun-filled holiday:

• When trick or treating, allow kids to only take candy and treats from trusted neighbors, family, and friends. Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home. Check wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.
• Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; carry a flashlight.
• Make sure your child can see! Masks and large hats or wigs can block vision. All costumes should be fire-resistant.
• For older children who may be trick or treating without parental supervision, set a curfew and remind kids to stick with a group and check in with parents periodically.
• If you are out driving, remember that kids tend to dart across streets and may not be paying attention to their surroundings. Slow down and keep your eyes peeled.

For general public awareness, the Drug Enforcement Administration recently announced an emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. Dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” in the media, these colorful pills could be mistaken for candy by children and young people.

It has recently been reported that some fentanyl laced pills that look like candy have also been packaged in bags that look like popular Halloween candy. Authorities in California recently found the dangerous opioid inside boxes of Sweetarts, Skittles, and Whoppers.

Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that is being pressed into fake pills or cut into heroin, cocaine, and other street drugs to drive addiction. Fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. Parents and caregivers need to be educated on current drug trends and have conversations with their children, as appropriate. For more information and tips about how to talk with your child about drugs, visit www.dea.gov/onepill.

Stay alert and make sure there is more treats than tricks this Halloween!