Sheriff’s Office Offers Halloween Safety TipsOneida County…

Sheriff’s Office Offers Halloween Safety TipsOneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol and members of the Sheriff’s Office are sharing important tips to help keep children safe this Halloween.

Trick or Treating:Travel in groups and bring a trusted adult.Carry a flashlight.Walk, don’t run.Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.Always use sidewalks. If none are available, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.Use caution when crossing driveways.Put electronic devices down, keep your head up, and walk across streets.Obey traffic signals.Inspect treats for signs of tampering, such as unusual appearance, discoloration, pinholes, or torn wrappers. Discard anything suspicious.Skip houses that do not have lights on.Be kind, courteous, and do not damage or destroy property/decorations.

Costumes:Use reflective tape, stickers, or glow sticks on costumes or treat bags to increase visibility.Make sure costumes and shoes fit properly to prevent trips and falls.If wearing a mask, ensure it does not obstruct vision or breathing.Choose soft, flexible costume accessories instead of sharp or pointy ones.

For Homeowners:Remove objects that could cause trick or treaters to trip.Keep walkways and entryways well lit.Secure pets.

For Drivers:Slow down and stay alert in residential areas. Children may move unpredictably.Watch carefully for children at intersections, medians, and curbs.Enter and exit driveways and roadways slowly and carefully.

Peak trick or treating hours are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. be extra alert during this time.