Safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind as Halloween approaches, especially parents of young children, Lee County Sheriff’s Office officials said Monday.
Employing safety tips can make a difference. Tips include:
– Parents should accompany young children.
– Don’t go inside a stranger’s house, no matter what anyone says.
– Trick-or-Treaters should always be in groups so they aren’t a tempting target for real life goblins.
– Make a map of your Trick-or-Treat route and check the route against the sex offender database.
– Stay in your own neighborhood.
– Stop only at well lit houses.
– Carry a flashlight or light stick.
– Use make up instead of a mask so you can see.
– Wear light colored clothing or costumes.
– Always keep a safe distance between you and moving cars.
– Be respectful of other people and their property.
– Screen all treats before you eat them.
– Don’t accept and, especially, don’t eat anything not commercially wrapped.
– Start early, end early.
– Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic.
– Stop, look and listen at corners.
– Walk, don’t run.
– Don’t go between parked cars or crisscross back and forth across streets or into
traffic.
– Don’t carry sharp instruments.
– Never carry a lighted torch or candles.

Before heading out to “trick-or-treat” this Halloween, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Sexual Offender and Predator database, offender.fdle.state.fl.us, to ensure the residences your children are visiting do not house registered sex offenders.

Finally, a special note for adults who may be traveling on Lee County roadways as Halloween festivities, alternative events and other related activities take place:

– When the “trick-or-treaters” begin their neighborhood trek, exercise extra vigilance for those excited, costumed youths whose exuberance may overcome their awareness of vehicles.
– Many adults will don customs and drive to various events; check to be sure your costume doesn’t impede your ability to operate your vehicle in a safe manner.
– If celebrations include alcohol, whether hosting or participating, be responsible, as always, drivers need to remember “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office