Joey Terrell
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is reminding parents and youngsters of some tips to make their Halloween celebrations go smoothly and safely.
Parents should feed their children prior to embarking on the trick or treat trail.
This will insure that the kids refrain from eating any of the candy until it has been inspected by the parents.
Parents should immediately discard any homemade treats or any treat that is in a damaged wrapper.
Kids under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult at all times; Kids over the age of 12 who are responsible enough to go on their own should stay in groups and follow an agreed-upon route.
Parents should make sure that their child’s costume is safe.
Costumes should fit right to prevent tripping and heat exhaustion, should allow for clear and unobstructed vision, and be highly visible.
Parents, along with children, should have flashlights readily available to illuminate walking surfaces at night, as well as to provide a warning to motorist of your location from a greater distance. Having glow type sticks attached to your child’s costume is another way to increase their visibility at night.
Parents and trick-or-treaters should stick to trick-or-treating in neighborhoods that they are familiar with and stay away from homes with poor lighting to prevent falls and injury.
Unfamiliar homes can also be dangerous as there might be dogs on the property which may bite unsuspecting children.
We want the kids to have a fun time and enjoy the holiday.
However, it is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that the kids are able to do this in a safe manner and that they are comfortable, at all times, with their surroundings.
Joey Terrell is the sheriff of Habersham County.