Tipp of the Week-Beggars night safety
Hello, Tipp City! Marc the Cop here,
Let's talk about staying Safe on Beggars' Night. That night is approaching quickly!
As the leaves fall and pumpkins glow on porches across the community, excitement builds for one of the most anticipated nights of the year—Beggars Night.
Children will soon don costumes, grab their treat bags, and hit the sidewalks in search of candy and fun. But before heading out, families are reminded that safety should be the top priority on this festive evening.
Plan and Stay Visible:
Costumes are at the heart of Halloween fun, but they can also pose risks if not chosen carefully. Parents are encouraged to pick light-colored costumes or add reflective tape so drivers can see children. Glow sticks and small flashlights are not just fun accessories—they’re essential tools for staying visible after dark. Masks can sometimes limit vision, so consider face paint or makeup instead to keep your little goblins safe and able to see clearly.
Supervision Matters:
For younger children, trick-or-treating should always be done with a trusted adult. Older kids who go out on their own should stick to familiar neighborhoods, stay in groups, and have a set route approved by parents. Make sure cell phones are charged, and encourage kids to check in periodically. It’s also smart to establish a curfew so everyone knows when the night of fun should wrap up.
Traffic Awareness:
Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrian accidents, so both trick-or-treaters and drivers must stay alert. Children should always cross streets at crosswalks, look both ways, and avoid darting out between parked cars. Drivers should slow down in residential areas and watch closely for kids who may be crossing unexpectedly. Putting down the phone and turning on the headlights early can make all the difference.
Candy Check and Health Tips:
Once home, parents should take a few minutes to inspect all treats before allowing children to dig in. Discard anything that looks suspicious, is unwrapped, or has torn packaging. Small candies and toys can pose choking hazards for younger kids, so keep those out of reach. With food allergies on the rise, many families appreciate the Teal Pumpkin Project—homes displaying a teal pumpkin offer non-food treats for kids who can’t have candy.
Home Safety for Hosts
Homeowners welcoming trick-or-treaters can also do their part to ensure a safe night. Keep walkways well-lit and free of obstacles like garden hoses or decorations that could cause trips or falls. If you’re using candles in pumpkins, consider switching to battery-operated lights to prevent fires. And of course, keep pets indoors to avoid any accidental scares or bites.
A Fun, Safe Celebration:
Beggars Night is a special tradition that brings neighbors together and fills streets with laughter and excitement. By taking a few simple precautions, families can make sure the night remains festive and free of accidents. So grab your costume, light your jack-o’-lantern, and enjoy a safe, fun Halloween filled with memories!
Remember the 9 PM routine! The 9 PM routine is a nightly reminder for residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, secure their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.
That is all for this week! Please be safe and care for one another.
I'll see you in church on Sunday!
Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)
Do you have a suggestion for the Tip of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com! The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.
