Halloween Safety Tips

Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt offers these Halloween safety tips. “If you plan to trick or treat by going door-to-door make sure children under the age of 12 have adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups. Costumes and bags should have reflective tape or stickers. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Watch for cars turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Drivers should slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.” Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30-9:30pm so be especially alert for kids during this time.