Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

Undersheriff Tim Kuzanek said the following recommendations are a valuable source of information for parents to use throughout the year:

"One of the most important steps parents can take is to talk with your children before heading out on Halloween," Undersheriff Kuzanek said. "Make sure they understand their role in detecting and preventing potentially dangerous situations. Also be sure to have a plan for what your child should do if you become separated."

• Never allow a child to trick-or-treat alone.
• Accompany children to the door of every house they approach.
• 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.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations. Look both ways before crossing, walk on sidewalks, and obey traffic signals and stop signs.
• Always walk; never run across streets or lawns.
• Trick or Treat at friendly homes. Warn children to stay away from houses that are not well lit.
• Do not go onto properties that are marked "Keep Out," "No Trespassing" and/or "No Solicitors Allowed."
• Never allow a child to eat Halloween candy until an adult checks it. Dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, opened or unwrapped.
• Instruct children to shout for help and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them into involuntary situations.
• Children should immediately report anything suspicious to their parents and/or law enforcement.
• Consider alternatives to trick-or-treating such as community Halloween events or organize your own party at home.

Washoe County residents may also receive information about keeping their families and neighborhoods safer by following the Sheriff's Office on Twitter at: @washoesheriff, or visiting the "Staying Safe" page on the Sheriff's Office website, Washoesheriff.com. Another important tool for increasing personal and neighborhood security is the free online neighborhood safety service, AlertID. For more information, visit alertid.com.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

Attached audio files...

Download this audio file - (Halloween Safety Tips - 1 MB mp3)