• Have at least one adult with trick or treaters as they go door to door.
• Trick or treat only in familiar neighborhoods, preferably at the homes of people you know.  Only visit homes where the lights are on.
• Trick or treat in groups.  Do not allow the children to go back and forth across a street.  Stay on the same side of the street for several houses and cross only at corners.
• Children should not run between parked cars or from behind buildings into the street.
• Trick or treat while it is still light outside or choose a well lit street after dark.
• Stay on sidewalks or walk alongside the left side of the road.
• Children should carry a flashlight or glowstick so they can be more visible to cars.
• Choose a costume that fits snugly and is made of flame retardant materials.  Wearing a strip of reflective tape will make the costume more visible.  A mask will inhibit a child’s vision.  If a mask is to be worn, the eye holes should be large enough for peripheral vision. Face paint is much safer and just as much fun.
• If your child has a prop, make sure it is flexible enough not to cause injury if fallen upon.
• Always inspect treats closely and keep only factory wrapped candy.  Throw any treats away if there is any doubt about it.  Treating your child to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you get a chance to check it for them.
• If you set Jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure they are far enough out of the way so that your trick or treaters costumes won’t accidentally catch on fire.
• Explain to the children the difference between tricks and vandalism.  Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun but damages can ruin Halloween for everyone. Vandalism is not acceptable and is illegal.
• Pets should stay secured at your home.  Costumed children can be scary to pets.  Dogs on leashes can trip children or cause safety issues in someone else’s yard.
• Notify the Sheriff’s Office immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Using these safety tips will help prepare you for a safe and enjoyable night of make-believe.  Happy Halloween!!!