Make sure the holiday is spooky, not dangerous.
Frederick, MD – Thursday evening will see neighborhoods filled with ghosts, monsters, and more all seeking out the houses with the best candy, but the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the community to follow their advice to keep the holiday safe.
Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Taylor Clarke said there are many steps the community can take to keep trick-or-treaters safe.
“With candy, we always use the saying ‘when in doubt, throw it out,'” Clarke said. “… It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to anything you’re consuming.”
Clarke said it’s both the responsibility of the trick-or-treaters as well as motorists when it comes to paying attention in neighborhoods especially as it gets darker outside.
A full list of tips the Sheriff’s Office released can be found below.
- Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
- Travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
- Stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit and never enter a stranger’s home
- Establish a return time.
- Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the child gets separated from the group.
- Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
- Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard.
- Costumes should be made with light colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children visible.
- Masks can obstruct a child’s vision. Consider using facial makeup instead.
- If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
- Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
- Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
- Walk -do not run -from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
- Motorists should watch for children darting out between parked cars and walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Motorists should also be sure to enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
More information on Halloween safety can be found at https://www.frederickcosheriff.com/
By Timothy Young