With Halloween approaching, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office is sharing essential safety tips for families and trick-or-treaters planning to be out in neighborhoods Thursday night. Trick-or-treating usually occurs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., although times are not regulated.
The Sheriff’s Office advises parents and children to prioritize visibility by wearing flame-retardant costumes, applying reflective tape, and carrying a flashlight with fresh batteries. Costumes should be well-fitted to avoid tripping hazards, and masks should not obstruct vision.
For safety, children should stay on sidewalks or paths when moving from house to house. If no sidewalk is available, they should walk facing traffic. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to go in groups or with an adult and to avoid entering homes unless they know the residents. Participating homes typically have porch lights on, while dark houses should be skipped.
Children are also urged to avoid crossing the street between parked cars or obstacles, instead crossing at intersections or crosswalks. Motorists in residential areas are reminded to drive slowly and watch carefully for children.
Parents should inspect candy before it’s eaten and know the routes their children plan to take if they’ll be out alone. The Sheriff’s Office also reminds residents to report any suspicious activity or incidents to local law enforcement immediately.
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