Halloween's nearly here, are you ready?
How to have a safe, fun time trick-or-treating

Dine chainsaw massacre?: Dine Chainsaw Man "Joe Indian" Yazzie Jr. of Chinle, Ariz. went out of his way to create an elaborate costume with all the details. He used items from around the house, including lots of red paint, to make for a scary Halloween costume. [Photo by Brian Leddy/Independent]

By Leslie Wood
Staff writer

Dwight Harris pushes his friend Rowe Bitsilly in a shopping cart they labeled as the "Death Machine" in front of Terrace Apartments on Sunday afternoon. The boys, both 13, have been using the cart for the past three days as a makeshift go-cart while taking turns pushing each other around. [Photo by Brian Leddy/Independent]

GALLUP — With a day to go until Halloween, it’s important to consider the following safety tips before hitting the streets with eager trick-or-treaters.

Sgt. Erin Toadlena-Pablo, a spokeswoman for the Gallup Police Department, said the agency will have additional employees on hand to patrol local roadways Wednesday night, but residents should keep safety in mind when attending Halloween celebrations.

Toadlena-Pablo said crime levels are usually low when Halloween falls on a week day as opposed to the weekend.

“We expect things to be relatively calm,” she said.
However, the agency does offer several safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday:

• Homeowners should keep exterior lights on during trick-or-treating hours and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
• Keep jack-o’ -lanterns clear of door steps and consider using candles to light the pumpkins;
• Keep dogs away from the front door — they may frighten children;
• Motorists should avoid all unnecessary traveling, but look out for excited youngsters if traversing roadways;
• Parents should accompany young children when trick or treating;
• Consider carrying a flashlight as you walk door to door;
• Place reflective gear on your children’s costumes;
• Don’t cross between parked cars, instead cross at corners;
• Use sidewalks instead of walking across lawns – they may contain holes;
• Never accept rides from strangers;
• Don’t take shortcuts behind back yards or alleys;
• Don’t go inside houses, if you’re invited to do so;
• Inspect candy before it’s eaten.

Capt. Johnny Green, of the Gallup Fire Department, said the agency will also patrol local neighborhoods throughout Halloween evening.

Halloween activities:

“Spook” Fun Walk/ Run in celebration of Red Ribbon Week 4 p.m. at the Ramah Chapter House, a mile east on N.M. 125 toward Pine Hill

Haunted House, Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 1 starts at 6 p.m. 15 miles north of Gallup, one-half mile west of Coyote Canyon Junction, turn off on Deer Springs Road near Twin Lakes

Coyote Canyon Chapter’s Halloween Carnival at the Chapter House, 5-9 p.m.

“Haunted Hay Ride,” 11 miles east of Crownpoint at the Platero residence begins at 7 p.m.

UNM-Gallup Student Senate Halloween Carnival and Dance - carnival is from 1 p.m. to 7 p. m. and dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight. Both events will be held in Gurley Hall

Halloween Party sponsored by a group of Gallup High School students as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Day, from 8 p.m. until midnight at the Sanchez Academy of Karate on South Second Street

Haunted Canyon 2007, Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 from nightfall on at Rabbit Brush, about 5 miles north of Fort Defiance IHS. $7 entry fee

Tohatchi Halloween Carnival from 5 to 8 p.m. at Tohatchi High School

Halloween Werewolf Party in Towaoc, Colo., 7 p.m. to midnight at the Ute Mountain Casino

“Give the Gift of Sight Night” help the Lion’s Club by donating old eye glasses for use by needy people. Drop off glasses at UPS Store on East U.S. Highway 66 or Car Quest on W. Maloney Avenue.