Although Halloween may be celebrated differently this year, there are ways to enjoy safe trick-or-treating. The Granville County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to follow common sense practices, along with adhering to statewide health requirements.
In some communities across the county, traditional house-to-house trick-or-treating is at the discretion of individual households and neighborhoods. If choosing to participate, the Sheriff’s Office asks that door-to-door treats – where candy is handed out to children – be limited. Also, please use hand sanitizer between visits. Households are encouraged to have hand sanitizer readily available, as a precautionary measure.
The Sheriff also reminds trick-or-treaters that a costume mask is no substitute for a protective cloth mask. Please remember to cover the mouth and nose, as required by the Centers for Disease Control, for the most effective protection from COVID-19. Social distancing is also required, as mandated by the State of North Carolina.
Other safety tips include:
* Costumes should not include any sharp objects;
* Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes;
* Carry a flashlight or glow stick after dark;
* Only visit homes with the porch light on;
* Don’t go inside anyone’s home;
* Travel only in familiar areas and along an established route;
* Watch for obstacles on lawns, steps or porches
* Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully;
* Walk, don’t run, from house to house;
* Throw away any candy that is unwrapped or has a strange odor, color
or texture.
“The Halloween season has always been filled with enjoyment,” said Sheriff Charles R. Noblin, Jr. “If choosing to participate in trick-or-treating in your neighborhood this year, let’s make it a fun and safe experience for everyone.”