Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1500118
Date Issued: Oct 26, 2015 - 12:40am

Trick or Treat: Sheriff's Office releases Halloween safety tips on video

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

The men and women of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween so the Sheriff's Community Relations section produced a video with safety tips for parents to share with their children. The video was released today on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

"We decided to make this video as a way to remind parents that one of the most important Halloween safety steps they can take is to talk with their children before the trick-or-treating begins," Deputy Jeff McCaskill said. "We hope parents will use these tips to help children better understand that we all have a role in detecting and preventing potentially dangerous situations.

The video is now available on the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

The Sheriff's Office also encourages parents to take advantage of free Halloween candy screening available on Sunday, November 1, at the Washoe County Courthouse.

Court security staff will screen candy at the X-ray station located inside the Mills B. Lane Justice Center located at 1 South Sierra Street from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2015.

The X-ray machine will detect metal objects only. Parents who feel candy has been tampered with should dispose of the candy immediately. No treat is worth the safety of a child.

What: Washoe County Sheriff's Office provides Halloween Candy X-Ray Inspection

When: Sunday, November 1, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Mills B. Lane Justice Center, 1 South Sierra Street, Reno

Here are some Halloween safety tips from the "Staying Safe" page on WashoeSheriff.com:

  • 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.
  • Don't go on 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 okay 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.
  • Take advantage of alternatives to trick-or-treating such as community Halloween events or organize your own party at home.

For more safety tips and other information about services provided by the Sheriff's Office:

  • Visit the WCSO on Facebook
  • Install the free WCSO app from the appropriate app store for your device
  • Follow the Sheriff's Office on Twitter at: @washoesheriff
  • Sign up for the Sheriff's monthly Community Partnership Connection eNewsletter at WashoeSheriff.com
  • visit the Staying Safe page at Washoesheriff.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.

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