Sheriff Issues Scariest Night Tips

LABELLE, FL. -- The night of ghouls, ghosts, goblins and super hero’s is fast approaching and Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden wants everyone to have a fun-filled evening.

This year Hendry Sheriff’s Deputies will be at First Baptist Church’s Trunk or Treat, on Main Street in LaBelle and at the Rodeo grounds on State Road 29 South.

Below are some safety tips to help you and your children have a safe and fun Halloween!

Parents and Caregivers

• Purchase or make costumes that are light colored and clearly visible to motorists

• Decorate (and get the children to help) or trim costumes, “goody bags,” and other containers with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights

• Reflective tape can be purchased at bicycle, hardware, and sporting goods stores.

• Make sure costumes are short enough so they don’t cause children to trip or fall

• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes

• Accessorize with flexible props, should be made of cardboard or styrofoam

• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over the child’s eyes

Children

• Carry a flashlight or glow stick

• Walk, Don’t Run

• Stay on Sidewalks

• Obey Traffic Signals

• Stay in familiar neighborhoods

• Don’t cut across yards or driveways

• Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground

• Approach only houses that are lit

• Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know

• DO NOT EVER go in a stranger’s house for any reason. If a stranger invites you inside, say “no”, get away and tell a trusted adult

Homeowners

• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and any other debris that could cause a child to trip

• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick- or-treater

• If you use candles, place the pumpkins well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing. Battery operated jack-o’-lantern candles are preferred to a flaming candle

• Instead of candy, offer non-food treats; plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers or coins

Motorists

• Stay alert

• Remember that kids will be excited, and may be trying to visit many houses within a specific time frame. Trick-or-Treaters may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars

• Be particularly careful where cars are parked along the side of the road

• Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks

• Be patient and SLOW DOWN. Give children lots of time to cross the street

• Remember kids will be excited and may forget to “stop, look, and listen”

If going to an adult Halloween party, make sure that you don’t drink and drive. Use a designated driver if alcohol is being consumed.