Trick-or-Treaters

·         Choose bright or light colored costumes that properly fit your child and add reflective tape or stickers to the front and back of costumes to make the child more visible in the dark.

·         Give kids flashlights or glow sticks to enhance their visibility and allow them to see.

·         Try to avoid masks, wigs and beards that can limit your child’s ability to see.

·         Make sure kids shoes and clothing fit to avoid trips and falls. 

·         Ensure props are short and flexible.

·         Cross the street using marked cross walks, and traffic lights.  Looking left, right and left again.

·         Walk on sidewalks and paths if available.  If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

·         Teach children not to dart out in to the street, or cross the road between parked cars.

·         Look for drivers that are turning around or backing up.

·         Accompany young children (under age 12) while out trick or treating.

·         If your child is going out without supervision be sure to have a set route, location and curfew.  Confirm they are in a large group and staying in familiar areas.

·         Children’s clothing should be labeled with their name, address and phone number in case they get lost.

·         Ensure kids know how to dial 911 and they know their name, address  and phone number.

·         Never go into a stranger’s home or car.

·         Only go to houses with porch lights on.

·         Stay away from candles and open flames. 

·         Once you get home be sure to check all treats to make sure they are sealed. 

·         Throw out any candy that is not sealed, is in a torn package, and has any holes in the packaging

·         Be cautious of any handmade items not made by someone you know and throw them away. 

Drivers be aware on Halloween

·         Slow down and stay alert.

·         Children are excited and my dart into the road.

·         Take extra time to look for children on the roadways, curbs and intersections.

·         Drive slowly, plan ahead and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic.

·         Turn headlights on earlier in the day to be more visible and to spot pedestrians at a greater distance.

·         Don’t pass stopped drivers.  Always use your turn signals to allow other drivers and pedestrians know that you are turning to avoid any accidents.

Amador County Sheriff Martin Ryan reminds everyone to have fun and be safe at the 2013 Amador County Fair.