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Release Number: 09-279

For Immediate Release

Public Information Office

October 21, 2009

Debbie Carter: dcarter@hcso.tampa.fl.us

(813) 247-8060

 

 

Who:

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
What:

Halloween Safety Tips
When:

October 31, 2009
Where:

Throughout Hillsborough County
Why/How:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is offering safety tips for kids, parents and motorist to ensure that Halloween is safe and enjoyable for all.

 

Tips for Kids

Stay in your own neighborhood, go with a friend, in a group or adult.

Go only to homes with lights on or Halloween decorations displayed.

Do not eat any treats until they have been checked by an adult.

Watch for cars when crossing the street.

Tell a parent or adult about anything that makes you uncomfortable or scared.

Tips for Parents

Make sure your child’s costume allows freedom of movement and good visibility, carrying a flashlight makes kids more visible.

If possible, have children trick or treat before dark.

Insist that children trick or treat with a friend, group or adult.  Young children

should always go with an adult or responsible teenager.

Insist that children stay in their own neighborhood and on an agreed route.

Before children eat any treats, check them.  Use your discretion about homemade treats even with an address label.  The safest rule is to throw out anything that is not store wrapped and in good condition.

Cut fruit into pieces before eating to make sure it has not been tampered with.

Sponsor a party in place of trick or treating.  Sometimes shopping malls will sponsor a party with each shop owner providing the treats.  Use your imagination.

Give store-wrapped or non-edible (crayons, stickers, small party favor) treats.  If you must give homemade goodies, put your name and address on each treat (address labels work well) and give them only to children you who know you.

 

Tips for Motorists

Exercise extreme caution when driving and be alert for excited children, whose vision may be obscured by masks or costumes, darting into traffic.

Use caution and be aware of children while backing vehicles out of driveways or parking spaces.