Halloween is fast approaching and we expect large groups of children out and about that evening.  Our primary concern on Halloween, and any other time, is the safety of children and with that in mind the Sheriff’s Office would like to offer the following safety tips.  It is a good idea to review these with your children before they begin their “trick or treat” adventure too. 

1.   Fake knives, swords, guns, and other costume accessories can

      potentially cause injury.  Make sure they aren’t too long for the

      costume and review with your child that they are part of the

      costume and not a weapon.  Make sure they are made out of

      cardboard or other flexible materials.

2.    Only purchase costumes and accessories that are marked

      flame resistant.

3.     Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls. 

4.    Try using make up instead of a mask.  Masks can obstruct a

      child’s vision, which can be a dangerous thing when kids are

      crossing streets and going up and down steps.

5.   Costumes with light colors and/or reflective tape are best. 

      Someone in the group should carry a flashlight.  Consider

      putting reflective tape on their bags too. 

6.    Kids should always trick or treat in groups, rather than alone,

      preferably with adult supervision and carry a cell phone for quick

      communication. 

7.    Parents should select the safest route for children to take. 

      Children should stay on sidewalks (where available) or on the

      shoulder of the roadway facing traffic.  Children should avoid

      walking in the roadway, in alleys or poorly lit areas and be

      cautious not to dart from behind shrubs or parked vehicles. 

      Drivers should slow down and use extreme caution, especially in

      neighborhoods where children are sure to be located.   

8.   Children should be instructed to stop only at familiar homes and

      where the outside lights are on. They should also be advised to

      NEVER go into a home or car to collect treats.  They should not

      stop at houses that are dark or do not have the porch lights

      turned on. 

9.    As an alternative of going door to door, parents should consider

      taking their children to community sponsored events such as

      those hosted by community centers, churches, schools, etc.

10. Children should be told not to eat any treats until they get home

      and the parent or adults can examine them. 

11. Children (and adults) should only consume unopened candies

      and treats in original wrappers.  Treats with open packaging or

      torn wrappers should be discarded.  Don’t forget to inspect fruit

      and homemade treats for anything that looks suspicious.

Halloween can be a safe and enjoyable evening with a little preparation, communication and diligence.    

Of course, we will be on patrol and available to you and your children should you need us. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sheriff Butch Morris