Halloween Safety Tips from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office

RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. — Halloween is here, and families across Randolph County are preparing for trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and more. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has shared its tips to help ensure everyone has a safe Halloween.
 

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters and Parents
Before going out, parents and guardians are encouraged to check the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry at sexoffender.ncsbi.gov to plan a safe route for trick-or-treating. The site offers a map of registered sex offenders’ addresses and allows users to set up alerts for new registrants in their area.
 

Once a safe route is mapped out, here are the essential safety guidelines from the Sheriff’s Office:
 

Visible Costumes: Choose costumes in bright colors or add reflective tape so children can be seen in low light.
Clear Vision: Make sure masks or costumes don’t obstruct a child’s vision.
Adult Supervision: Have an adult present for younger children and remind older kids to stay in familiar neighborhoods.
Check Treats: Avoid homemade treats, and inspect all candy at home. Discard any items that appear opened or tampered with.
Stay Lit: Bring a flashlight to help with visibility while walking at night.
Approach Well-Lit Homes Only: Only visit homes with bright lights, and never enter a stranger’s home.
 

Halloween is one of the riskiest nights of the year for pedestrians. Fatal crashes involving pedestrians are 43% higher on Halloween compared to other nights, according to a study that examined 42 years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. The Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers to stay alert, especially in neighborhoods with trick-or-treaters. Additionally, they provided the following tips for drivers:

Use Headlights: Make sure headlights are on at all times.
Watch for Crosswalks: Keep an eye on crosswalks and intersections for groups of children crossing.
Avoid Distractions: Texting and driving is not only dangerous but illegal in North Carolina.
Slow Down: Drive more slowly in residential areas.
Avoid Masks and Costumes While Driving: Do not wear costumes or masks that might obstruct your vision while behind the wheel.
 

If you’re staying home to hand out candy, the Sheriff’s Office recommends keeping your porch and driveway free of tripping hazards, ensuring your porch is well-lit, only distributing sealed, pre-packaged treats, using battery-operated candles to reduce fire risks, and keeping pets secure when answering the door—all steps that can help ensure a safe Halloween for everyone.
 

“Halloween is a wonderful time for friends and families to enjoy fall festivities,” Sheriff Seabolt said in a press release earlier this month. “By taking a few extra precautions, we can help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable ti