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A flyer giving information about halloween safety in Jefferson County.
Oct. 31 falls on a Sunday this year and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents as celebrations and trick-or-treating ensue.
While the law enforcement officials will do their part, they are asking for celebrants to be mindful of several important safety tips that may be overlooked.
Children should:
• Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups.
• Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant.
• Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street.
• Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily.
• Practice safe street-crossing.
• Walk and don’t run from house to house.
• Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
Parents and guardians should:
• Supervise young children at all times.
• Establish a designated curfew for older children.
• Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground.
• Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags.
• Assure costume accessories, such as swords and other pointed objects, are made with soft and safe materials.
• If driving children between houses and neighborhoods, have them get out of cars on the curbside, not on the traffic side.
Homeowners should:
• Keep outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours.
• Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire.
• Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped.
• Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or injury to small children.
Halloween drivers should:
• Be aware that there are many young children out for the evening, especially during the peak hours.
• Please drive slowly! Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.
• Obey all traffic signals and signs.
There are many organizations that will be hosting Halloween events so check your community calendars, church events, local schools – and the Good News and Entertainment sections of The Examiner – for these safe and fun events for your children.