Sheriff’s Office offers safety tips for Halloween

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office would like to urge parents and caregivers who may have children going out to “Trick-or-Treat” to be sure that their children follow a few simple safety measures to help them be safe this upcoming Halloween.
Although Halloween is meant to be a time of fun, it also places children in potentially dangerous traffic situations since they are out on the streets after dark. In addition there is generally an increase in traffic on the roadways, either because of people transporting their children to “Trick-or-Treat” locations or going to Halloween parties. In order to be safer while walking on the roadways, the Sheriff’s Office urges parents and children to please follow these tips:

• Be bright at night—use reflective tape on costumes and treat bags, wear light colors, and carry flashlights.
• Don’t wear a costume that obstructs vision, and wear lighter colored costumes.
• Always look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing roadways.
• Cross at corners, not between parked cars or mid-block.
• Always walk on the sidewalks if there are any, but if there are no sidewalks then walk facing traffic on the left side of the road.
• Younger children should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In addition to the above it is urged that parents always look through their child’s candy before allowing the child to eat the candy, to avoid the child eating something that could be harmful to them.
Regarding adults that may be out attending parties this Halloween the Sheriff’s Office wishes to remind them to drive safely and watch for kids on the roadways, and to always have a designated driver if they consume alcoholic beverages. In addition kids under 18 yrs of age are reminded that some Townships in Dutchess County have curfews which limit the hours that they can be out on Halloween, and the Sheriff’s Office will be out patrolling to enforce those curfews. Please contact your local municipality to find out more about the curfew in your area, and have a safe and happy Halloween.