Sheriff's tips for a safe and happy Halloween

• Do not allow a child to go trick-or-treating alone. Be sure older children take a friend and an adult accompanies young children. • Accompany young children to the door of every house they approach. • Be certain to be familiar with every house and with all people from whom the children receive treats. • Caution children that they should not enter any home without prior permission from their parents. • Caution children not to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent. • Make sure that all children carry a glow stick or wear reflective clothing. • Make sure that children wearing facial masks can see and breathe properly and easily. • Warn children never to approach any house that is not well lit and does not have a porch light on. • Caution children to remember any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents or proper official. • Instruct children to scream and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them, in any way, to go with them. • Inspect all treats and dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, has been opened, or is not wrapped. • Make sure costumes are fire retardant. • A good alternative to trick-or-treating is for parents to organize parties at home, in schools or in community centers. (Provided by the Sheriff’s Office of Sussex County.)