Sheriff Smith’s Halloween Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Sheriff Mike Smith would like to remind everyone to have a happy and safe Halloween this year.
Sheriff Smith would also like to provide the following tips as a reminder of how to keep Trick or Treaters safe:
■ Decorate Costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers
■ Costumes should consist of light colors
■ Masks can obstruct a child’s vison, use face paint and make-up whenever possible
■ Costumes should be the right size to prevent trips and falls
■ Carry flashlights or glow sticks
■ Cross the street at corners
■ Look left and right and left again before crossing the street
■ Do not use electronic media devise, keep heads up and walk, don’t run
■ Watch for cars that are turning or backing-up

Parents can also add to the safety of their children by:
■ Providing adult supervision during trick or treating
■ Do not allow kids to accept treats that are not commercially wrapped
■ Do not allow kids to eat any treats, until they have been inspected

Drivers should also help keep kids safe by:
■ Slow down and be alert in residential areas
■ Take extra time to look for kids at intersections and near the road
■ Eliminate any distractions inside the car such as texting or other use of electronic devices
■ Concentrate on the road and your surroundings
■ Expect kids to do the unexpected
Sheriff Smith would like to reiterate that the two most important tips to ensure a safe Halloween are: Parents to accompany their children while they are trick or treating and for drivers to expect the unexpected.