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How to Have A Safe Halloween

October 29, 2020

Two kids in Halloween costumes sitting on a front porch, decorated for Halloween with bats and pumpkins, holding Jack-o-lanterns in front of their faces

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Halloween is a favorite holiday for many and a fun time for kids. It’s important to remember to stay safe while still having fun. Here are some tips from a few sheriffs’ offices in Florida:

  • Try to trick-or-treat in groups.
  • Never allow small children to visit a door without a trusted adult.
  • Teach children not to approach vehicles.
  • Parents should always accompany trick-or-treaters, no matter how old the children are.
  • Only approach well-lit homes where porch or exterior lights are on.
  • Cross streets at the corner, never between parked cars or diagonally across an intersection.
  • Avoid shortcuts through back yards, alleys or parks.
  • Eat only factory-wrapped treats, and never eat anything homemade from strangers.
  • Examine all candy for choking hazards and tampering.
  • Be cautious around pets and other animals.
  • Keep costumes short to prevent tripping or falling.
  • Wear light-colored costumes or add reflective tape to dark clothing.
  • Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen.
  • Report all suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

Motorists need to:

  • Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
  • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
  • At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

For more great tips, visit these sheriffs' offices websites:
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
Levy County Sheriff's Office
Columbia County Sheriff's Office

See more Crime Prevention Tips.