Keep the ghouls away with these Halloween safety tips

It’s easy for children to get caught up in the joy of trick-or-treating, but the same can be said for parents.

This year, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents to ensure their children’s safety with these Halloween safety tips.

• Try to trick-or-treat in groups.
• Never allow small children to visit a door without a trusted adult.
• Teach children not to approach vehicles.
• Parents should always accompany trick-or-treaters, no matter how old the children are.
• Only approach well-lit homes where porch or exterior lights are on.
• Cross streets at the corner, never between parked cars and not diagonally across an intersection.
• Avoid shortcuts through backyards, alleys or parks.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats and never eat anything homemade from strangers.
• Examine all candy for choking hazards and tampering.
• Be cautious around pets and other animals.
• Keep costumes short to prevent tripping/falling.
• Make sure masks or head coverings do not hinder eyesight.
• Wear light-colored costumes or add reflective tape to dark clothing.
• Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen.
• Report any and all suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

The sheriff’s office also points out that those who are staying home on Tuesday night — even if they’re on the porch passing out candy — should keep their doors locked.

Motorists should also exercise extreme caution while on the road and keep an eye out for children who may wander into the street.

This story was originally published October 30, 2017 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Keep the ghouls away with these Halloween safety tips."