Ask any Deputy, Officer or Emergency Dispatcher in your area and they can tell you that Halloween can be one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Excited children walking the streets after dark in costumes that are often dark colored and can obscure their vision can combine with normal vehicle traffic to be disasterous.

That very reason, among many others, is why the Deputy Sheriff's Association has put together these tips to help you keep your little ones and the ones in your community safe this Halloween.

Pedestrian Safety

• Never let children under age 12 go trick–or-treating or cross the street without the supervision of an adult on Halloween night.
• Teach child never to dart out into a street or cross between parked cars.
• Decorate costumes, bags and sacks with retroreflective tape and stickers.
• Use costumes that are light or bright enough to make children more visible at night.
• Teach children to stop at all street corners before crossing.  Tell them to cross streets only at intersections and crosswalks.
• Teach them to look left, right and left again before crossing the street and continue looking both ways as they cross.

Costume Safety

• Apply face paint or cosmetic directly to the face.  It is safer than a loose-fitting mask that can obstruct a child’s vision.  If a mask is worn, be certain it fits securely.  Cut the eyeholes large enough for full vision.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Make costumes short enough to avoid tripping.
• Secure hats so they will not slip over children’s eyes.
• Dress children in shoes that fit.  Adult shoes can cause kids to trip and fall.
• Children should not carry any props that could injure them if they fall.
• Teach children not to cross yards. Lawn ornaments are “hidden hazards” in the dark.  Tell your children to stay on the sidewalk at all times.

Fire Safety

•  Look for “flame resistant” labels on costumes, masks, beards and wigs.
• Avoid costumes made of flimsy material and outfits with big baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.  These are more likely to come in contact with an exposed flame, such as a candle.
• Keep candles, pumpkins with candles, matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Homeowner Safety

• Make sure the yard is clear of things such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip young children.
• Pets may get frightened.  Keep them away from trick-or-treaters.
• Battery powered jack o’lantern candles are preferable to a real flame.
• When using candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won’t be blown into a flaming candle.

General Safety

• Tell children to be cautious of strangers
• Children should only visit homes that have a porch light on.
• Children should only accept treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.
• Adults should always inspect treats before eating.  Tell children not to eat candy if the package is already opened.