Rensselaer County Sheriff Gives Tips for a Safe Halloween

RENSSELAER COUNTY SHERIFF JACK MAHAR
TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

·         Remember children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If child is older make sure they carry a cell phone and travel as a group.

·         Respect your towns set curfew for trick or treating

·         Remind children not to cut through back alleys and fields. Make sure they know to stay in populated, well lighted areas and not travel off the beaten track.

·         Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.

·         Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.

·         Be sure costumes, shoes, and treat bags are safe.

·         Set rules about not eating treats until kids get home. Be sure to inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.

·         Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely.

·         Remember to drive slowly all evening-you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.

·         Never cross the street from between parked cars.

·         Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.

·         Make sure that fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or worse, have them mistaken for the real thing!

·         Turn on your porch light.

·         Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.

·         Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.