Press release:
Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha shares the following safety tips to help you plan a safe, fun Halloween for your family. Review these safety guidelines with your family and set ground rules before heading out. The sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies will have increased patrols on October 31 but planning on your part is the best way to ensure a safe Halloween.
Never leave your house unattended. If you have to leave your house, make sure all the doors are locked.
Parents DO:
- Map out your route and check it against the New York State Sex Offender Registry at www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor
- Accompany your young children and plan to go when it’s light out.
- Feed your children a meal or substantial snack before trick or treating.
- Have children save all candy until they get home.
- Inspect all treats; throw away unwrapped, open, or suspicious looking goodies.
Trick-or-Treaters DO:
- Travel in pairs or groups and stay together.
- Walk on the sidewalk or on the left side of the road facing traffic.
- Stop, look and listen at corners.
- Plan a safe route; stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
- Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
- Carry a cell phone if going without an adult.
- Be respectful of people and their property.
Trick-or-Treaters DON’T:
- Go into a stranger's house or get into a stranger's car.
- Run across yards or streets.
- Venture down dark, empty streets.
- Approach dark, unlighted houses.
- Go between parked cars or crisscross back and forth across streets.
- Eat any treats before your parents check them.
At Home:
- Put away anything children could trip over.
- Turn the lights on and replace any burned-out bulbs at the walkway and front door.
- Remember, your jack-o-lantern and any other candles or electrical decorations can be a fire hazard. Keep them out of the reach of small children and away from flammable materials.
