By By SPIROS GALLOS / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Before all the ghouls, ghosts, and goblins descend on Niles, they need to know how to stay safe when having Halloween fun.
Students at Eastside Elementary School got a lesson in Halloween safety Friday morning from Niles City Police neighborhood liaison officer Kevin Kosten.
Kosten wrapped up his week-long tour of Niles schools, which included Northside, Howard, Ellis, and Ballard elementary schools, with a final visit to Eastside.
The program is part of Niles City Police Department's community education program and is sponsored by Wal-Mart, Martin's Supermarket, and Burger King.
Kosten told children to never go trick-or-treating without an adult present. Kosten asked the students how they identified strangers and what they do if approached by one.
After listening to their answers, Kosten told the children what they should do if approached by a stranger.
He also warned them to never go into a stranger's house.
Kosten offered children advice on how to stay safe when going from house to house as well.
He also told children to use the sidewalk to avoid getting injured by a car if they walk in the road.
Kosten also gave tips for procrastinating families that haven't carved a jack 'o lantern yet.
The final bit of advice Kosten gave the children was to wear bright clothing or a glow stick so they could be seen when it's dark outside.
Kosten passed out informational packets with glow sticks for the children to wear while trick-or-treating.
After meeting with the students, Kosten said the most important thing parents can do during Halloween is to make sure at least one adult goes out with the kids while trick-or-treating.
Kosten also wanted to remind parents to adhere to the time the city has set for trick-or-treating, which is tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m.