Think Safety First This Halloween

Whether it's Louisiana State Police trooper Thomas Gossen, St. Landry Parish Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux or Lafayette Police Corporal Bridgette Dugas, the message is the same, do everything you can to have a safe Halloween.

Dugas says that the city of Lafayette will observe Halloween between 6 and 8 o'clock tonight.

Not being an impaired driver is one of the most important safety tips that you can hear.

From there, Dugas has a list of several things to keep in mind while the kids are going to be trick-or-treating tonight, and they are as follows:

• Make sure your child's costume has reflectors or reflective tape on it, and/or consider having them carry a flashlight.
• Avoid darker colored costumes.
• It's recommended that children use face paint instead of masks which can impede their ability to see.
• A child should not be unsupervised. They should be with a parent or guardian.
• It's a good idea to stick to the neighborhood(s) you are familiar with, and it is recommended that kids only visit the homes of people that they know.
• Make sure you check out your child's candy before they eat it.
• Please hand out only wrapped candy.
• Drive slowly and carefully in neighborhoods.
• Stay in areas that are well-lit and use sidewalks whenever possible.

Dugas adds that police will be on patrol tonight working to help ensure everyone's safety.