Have a safe Halloween by following these safety reminders

The Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists and residents of some Halloween safety tips as activities appear to be back on after a hiatus last year.

Deputies will be out in force on Sunday patrolling popular trick-or-treating areas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises you not participate in Halloween festivities if you have or may have COVID-19 or if you have been or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Motorists should be aware that popular trick-or-treating hours are generally from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert during those times.

Additional tips for motorists:

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
  • Enter and exit driveways slowly.
  • Eliminate any distractions inside your car.
  • Turn your headlights on earlier in the day.

Tips for trick-or-treaters:

  • Kids should wear light colored costumes with plenty of reflective tape. Take a flashlight along for added visibility.
  • Look left, right and left again when crossing the street.
  • Everyone should put electronic devices away so there are no distractions.
  • If possible, trick-or-treat while it is still light outside.
  • Kids should be accompanied by an adult, or an older brother or sister.
  • Only visit well-lit houses.
  • Never accept rides from strangers.
  • Kids should not sample candy until it has been checked by an adult for possible tampering.
  • Kids should stay away from homes with dogs loose in the yard.

And a few tips for pet owners:

  • Don’t leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween. There are plenty of pranksters who will go out of their way to tease pets and you don’t want your dog to bite a trick-or-treater who might venture too close.
  • Trick-or-treat candy is not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to many animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed by your pet.
  • Be careful your cat or dog doesn’t dart out through the open door when you open it for trick-or-treaters.
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