Halloween is here, and the Granville County Sheriff’s Office offers some safety tips for children, parents and motorists.
Tips for a safe and enjoyable Halloween include:
FOR PARENTS:
- Make sure your children are properly supervised while out;
- Know the route your children will be taking if you aren’t going with them;
- Make sure you set a time for them to be home;
- Be sure children know their home phone number and address, in case of an emergency.
- Tell your children to never go into a stranger’s house;
- Make sure your children stay out of the street while walking;
- Choose a brightly colored costume for your child, or one that is easy to see in the dark;
- Be sure costumes include no sharp objects;
- Talk to your children about the importance of staying together as a group;
- Carefully inspect all food and candy before letting your child eat it. When in doubt, throw it out!
FOR CHILDREN:
- Carry a flashlight and/or wear a glow-stick necklace and glow-stick bracelets;
- Keep a safe distance from moving cars;
- Cross at street corners, not diagonally across an intersection and never between parked cars;
- Obey all traffic signals;
- Walk and never run;
- Do not take shortcuts through back yards, alleys or parks;
- Only visit homes with porch lights on;
- Don’t go inside anyone’s home; instead remain on the porch at all times;
- Don’t accept rides in cars with strangers;
- Don’t eat any treats until your parents have inspected them;
FOR MOTORISTS:
- Consider driving at least five miles per hour under the speed limit, especially in residential areas;
- Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible – even during daylight hours;
- Don’t use high beams – it prevents traffic coming in the opposite direction from seeing trick-or-treaters on the roadsides or sidewalks;
- Obey all traffic signs and signals;
- Watch for children crossing the street;
- Look out for those who may dart between parked cars or shrubbery;
- Carefully enter and exit driveways;
- Don’t park in the street unless it is necessary. Give children and other motorists plenty of room;
- Be careful backing up. If possible, have someone stand behind your vehicle to make sure no children are walking behind you.
- Be alert, be aware and be safe!
Following these safety tips will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Halloween!