Treats abound on All Hallow's Eve

Thousands of trick-or-treaters are expected to converge on Carson City's West side tonight in the annual Halloween pilgrimage to the Governor's Mansion.

Gov. Kenny Guinn, his wife, children and grandchildren plan to hand out treats at the mansion, said Greg Bortolin, Guinn's press secretary.

"They will be there just as the sun starts to set and until the last trick-or-treater comes to the door," Bortolin said.

He said first lady Dema Guinn paid for the decorations.

"They consider this their personal gift back to the community and the state," he said.

Streets will be closed for four blocks surrounding the mansion:

-- Robinson and Mountain streets.

-- Mountain Street between Robinson and Caroline streets.

-- Elizabeth Street between Robinson and Caroline streets.

-- Caroline Street between Elizabeth and Robinson streets.

Also tonight, members of the Explorer cadets will be on hand at the Carson City Sheriff's Department, 901 E. Musser St., to pass out treats.

Gladys Brister, who helped organize the program, said candy will be available at the front desk of the sheriff's office. She said organizations donated about $200 to purchase the treats.

Sheriff's deputies will be given candy to give to trick-or-treaters they encounter while on patrol.

Brister said she has handed out candy for more than 15 years at the sheriff's department.

"We'll begin about 6 p.m. and to until about 9 p.m., but as long as the kids are coming in we'll stay," she said. "It gets pretty active down here."

Don't let Halloween fun be hampered by injury

Staff reports

As ghouls and goblins fill the streets tonight, parents are reminded of the earthly frights to children on Halloween.

"More children are killed while walking on Halloween night than any other evening of the year, so we urge all parents to follow simple safety precautions," said state Fire Marshal Doyle Sutton.

Sutton reminds parents to make sure costumes are reflective and flame resistant and to keep children away from open flames on candles and pumpkins.

"Many costumes are flame retardant, but some, particularly those that are homemade, are not and could be very combustible. Materials like cotton balls and straw catch fire very quickly," he said.

According to the National Safe Kids campaign, children are four times more likely to die as a pedestrian on Halloween.

The Regional Emergency Medical Services and Safe Kids coalition offer the following safety tips:

-- Teach children to never dart into the street or cross between parked cars.

-- Teach children to look left, right and left again before crossing.

-- Never let children under age 12 go trick-or-treating or cross the street without adult supervision.

-- Teach children to walk, not run, while trick-or-treating.

-- Instruct children to travel in familiar areas and along a pre-established route.

-- Tell children to bring their treats home before eating them.

REMSA suggests all treats be inspected by parents to ensure they haven't been tampered with.

For motorists, REMSA suggests the following:

-- Slow down in residential neighborhoods.

-- Watch for children walking in the street, on medians and curbs.

-- Exit and enter driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.

ON THE NET:

http://www.safekids.org