For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1900116 |
| Date Issued: | Oct 23, 2019 - 2:05pm |
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Halloween Safety Tips from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Children throughout Washoe County are starting to anticipate the treats that await them on Halloween night. The Sheriff's Office has some tips to help make Halloween an enjoyable, and safe, experience for all.
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.
And remember, no treat is worth the safety of a child!
Halloween Safety Tips:
- 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 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. The Sheriff's Office is hosting a free Community Resource Fair with Trick-or-Treating from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24 at Reno Town Mall.
Drivers are asked to use extreme 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 in search of treats.
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 9:00 p.m. on Halloween night, Thursday, October 31.
The Washoe County District Courthouse and the Mills Lane Justice Center will both offer free candy screening during regular business hours on Friday, November 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 Reno.
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.
Even Superhero's can use tips for safe Trick-or-Treating. The Spuds from Ms. Tater's Tots had their spidey senses tingling, so they decided to visit Sheriff Balaam this morning to make sure everyone at the Sheriff's office was preparing for a safe Halloween and to do a little trick-or-treating of their own. These little ones are always a treat as far as we are concerned.
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.