Children throughout Washoe County are starting to anticipate the treats that await them on Halloween night. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has tips to help make Halloween an enjoyable, and safe, experience.
Parents are reminded to keep safety in mind when purchasing or preparing costumes. It’s important that children are as visible as possible by wearing bright clothing or carrying a glow stick or flashlight.
The Sheriff’s Office asks that parents talks with their trick-or-treaters about safety before they head out the door so that children understand that they also have a role in keeping themselves safe.
Halloween Safety Tips
Drivers are asked to use caution on Halloween night. Slow down, focus on the road, and keep an eye out for an increased number of ghosts, goblins, and superheroes out and about.
- Never allow a child to trick-or-treat alone.
- Accompany children to the door of every house they approach.
- Have a plan for what your child should do if you do become separated.
- Don’t allow children to enter a home or apartment without adult supervision.
- Children should not approach strange vehicles.
- Remain visible. Wear bright clothing or use reflective strips on costumes. Carry a glow stick or flashlight.
- Follow all traffic and pedestrian regulations. Look both ways before crossing the street, walk on sidewalks, pay attention to traffic signals and stop signs.
- Always walk, not run, across streets or lawns.
- Trick or treat at friendly homes. Keep children away from houses that are not well lit.
- Avoid properties marked “Keep Out,” “No Trespassing” and/or “No Solicitors Allowed.”
- Adults should always check Halloween candy before a child eats it. Dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, opened or unwrapped.
- Tell children it is OK to shout for help and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them into involuntary situations.
- Let children know they should immediately report anything suspicious to their parents and/or law enforcement.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office will offer free Halloween candy X-ray screening at the Washoe County District Courthouse entrance on Court Street until 9 p.m. on Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31.
Under the Arch dance event.
Photo: Andrea Laue
The Washoe County District Courthouse and the Mills Lane Justice Center offer free candy screening during regular business hours on Friday, Nov. 1.
The Mills Lane Justice Center is located at 1 S. Sierra Street and the Washoe County Second Judicial Court is located at 75 Court Street, both in downtown.
The X-ray machines will detect metal objects only. Parents who believe candy has been tampered with by other means should dispose of the candy immediately.
SOURCE: WCSO.
