Halloween is right around the corner, and citizens can help keep their children (or grandchildren) safe this October 31, by following these simple holiday safety guidelines.
Check out the Sheriff’s Office Web site at www.sheriffcitrus.org for the most up-to-date information about registered sexual offenders and predators living in Citrus County. Just click on “Sexual Offender Information” and search the list by first or last name, zip code or other criteria. Photographs of the offenders also are posted. Those without Internet access may obtain a hard copy of these same lists at the Sheriff’s Operations Center in downtown Inverness or any of the agency’s community resource offices.
· The agency’s Sexual Predator Unit will be coordinating neighborhood notifications near all of the county’s registered sexual predators during the week before Halloween night. Also, watch for posters in every Citrus County box store where trick-or-treat candy is sold. These posters feature the names, addresses and photos of all registered sexual offenders currently living in the county.
· Encourage kids and teens to explore alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating. Harvest festivals, haunted houses and costume parades are popular events sponsored by area churches, community groups and shopping malls. Organized
festivities like these provide some measure of supervision, plus a safer environment for children.
· Make sure costumes are made of light-colored, flame-retardant fabrics only. If children are permitted to trick-or-treat after dark, decorate their costumes and candy bags with reflective tape to make them even more visible to motorists.
· Instead of children wearing masks that might obscure vision, try face makeup instead. Props, such as swords and broomsticks, should be made of Styrofoam or cardboard.
· A responsible adult or teen should accompany each group of youngsters. Try to limit the group’s size to a manageable four or five.
· At least one person in each group should carry a flashlight.
· Instruct children to walk, not run, from house to house, and to cover one side of the street at a time. Have them cross only at street corners and not between parked cars.
· Children should stay in their own neighborhoods and only go to houses where the lights are on.
· Stress to youngsters that they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
· Teach children to respect the privacy and property of others. Acts of aggression, violence or vandalism could possibly lead to arrest.
· Don’t leave your own home unattended on Halloween, and keep your pets inside.
· Examine children’s treats for signs of tampering before you allow them to eat anything. Remember, if you have a doubt, throw it out.
· Report any suspicious treats or incidents to the Sheriff’s Office.
Do your part to help keep kids safe this Halloween!
