Halloween is tonight, and Bloomington’s streets will be swarming with all manner of ghouls and goblins. However, area parents may have concerns that are less than supernatural. Indiana Public Media answers these questions and more.
It’s raining – does that mean trick-or-treating is cancelled?
The spookiest day of the year is shaping up to be appropriately gloomy. Forecasters are predicting a 40 percent chance of rain around 5:30 p.m., with precipitation tapering off later in the evening. Temperatures will be in the low 60s and high 50s.
The City of Bloomington’s official trick-or-treat hours are 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., rain or shine. Barring an unforeseen natural disaster, trick-or-treating will go ahead as planned.
Should I be worried about tainted candy?
Despite persisting myths and claims by Indiana’s attorney general, instances of candy with razor blades, poison or drugs are nearly unheard of. A 2015 study produced at the University of Delaware showed that reported cases were uncommon and many of these were later confirmed to be hoaxes.
Drug experts say that stories circulating this year about rainbow fentanyl are largely conjecture and evidence doesn’t support the theory that drug dealers are marketing to young children.
Nonetheless, the city recommends reporting suspicious activity or tainted candy to the police.
What about traffic?
High pedestrian activity makes Halloween one of the most dangerous nights of the year for car accidents. The city urges trick-or-treaters to be careful when crossing the street and to stick to stop signs and crosswalks.
Sunset is at 6:46 p.m., and the city recommends that children staying out later gear up with reflective or glowing jackets, candy bags or other accessories.
Following these guidelines is a sweet way to make the most out of your Halloween.
