Sheriff's Office shares Halloween safety tips

Palm Coast Observer
News

The following is a new release from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office:

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies will increase area patrols Saturday, Oct. 31 as ghouls and goblins hit the streets to trick-or-treat for the Halloween holiday.

“This is the time of year when it gets dark earlier, and motorists should be extra cautious and watch for increased pedestrian activity in neighborhoods,’’ Sheriff James L. Manfre said. “And parents should remind children to stay on the sidewalk and watch for passing vehicles,” he added.

Here are a few simple safety tips to ensure that everyone stays safe on Halloween.

Trick-or-treaters:

Costumes should be easy to move in and face masks should not obstruct your vision.
Wear reflective tape or use a flashlight.
Don’t go trick-or-treating alone.
Only visit well-lit homes if going door to door.
Look left, right, and left again before crossing any road.
All candy should be inspected by an adult before eating.

Parents:

Supervise your children at all times. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.
Tell your children to bring home their candy to be inspected before they eat it. Put aside anything that looks suspicious.
Think twice before letting children use simulated weapons. If they do, be sure the weapons do not appear to be authentic, and make sure they are made from soft, pliable material.

Drivers:

Reduce your speed, especially when you see trick-or-treaters.
Be extra careful at dusk when visibility is poor.
Use your headlights.
Be observant; watch out for children who may dart our from yards or driveways.
Don’t let children ride unsecured in the back of pickups or similar vehicles.

Homeowners:

Keep your porch light on if you’re giving away treats.
Make sure your yard is clear of debris or hazards that might injure someone.
Properly restrain your pets for the safety of visitors and your pets.

In addition to the increased patrols, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office bicycle unit, mounted posse and motorcycle deputies will be assigned to heavy traffic areas at various locations throughout the county Saturday night.

It’s important to know the addresses of sex offenders and predators who live in and near your neighborhood. To find out, go online to: offender.fdle.state.fl.us. You can also sign up to receive free e-mail alerts when a registered sexual offender or predator moves into your neighborhood.

During Halloween, sheriff’s detectives will team up with state Probation and Parole officers to conduct probation checks throughout Flagler County of sex offenders, high risk offenders and individuals on community control.