Sheriff Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley is urging everyone to make sure this Halloween is a safe one.

According to the sheriff, Trick or Treat will be taking place this evening.

He said motorists need to be careful on the area’s roadways with those trick or treaters being out and about.

“We want you to watch out for children who may be accidentally darting out between parked cars, watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and on curbs,” said Shirley. “We would like for you to exit and enter out of driveways very carefully and when it gets to the evening hours, we would like you to watch for children that may be wearing dark clothing.”

As for those going out trick-or-treating tonight, Shirley said following a number of basic safety tips can go a long way towards making sure everyone stays safe.

“We also encourage you to discuss the route that you will be taking trick-or-treaters and your children and if the kids go in a group, that would be one good thing,” said Shirley. “Instruct your child to only travel in familiar areas. Teach your children to stop at houses or apartments that are well-lit and never enter a stranger’s home. Establish a return time. Tell your children never to eat any treats until they return home.”

Shirley also said it is important for parents who are maybe allowing their child to go trick-or-treating with someone else to remember safety.

“Make sure an older, responsible youth is supervising if you are not going with your child,” said Shirley.

Other Halloween safety tips include always carrying flashlight, walking on sidewalks or on the left side of the road facing traffic if there are no sidewalks, and throw away any unwrapped or suspicious candy.