"Sheriff Potter's Top Tips for a Safe and Spooky Halloween"
Dear DeSoto County,
As the anticipation of Halloween fills the air, I am reminded of the importance of safety during this time of year. Halloween is a spooky celebration, but it is also a time when we must prioritize the safety of our children and community.
I want to stress the significance of Halloween safety. Halloween is a time for fun and fantasy, but it is also a time when our community's children are out and about in the dark, often mingling with strangers and crossing busy streets. This year, let us come together to ensure the ghosts, goblins and witches of our community have a night filled with sweet treats, not tricks! Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind as we prepare for the spooky holiday.
Costume Safety: No matter what you’re dressed as, its crucial costumes are designed and chosen carefully with safety as a priority. Ensure costumes fit well and have reflective elements to ensure your child is visible to drivers.
Visibility: As the sun starts to set earlier this time of year, it’s essential to maximize visibility. We recommend your child carry a flashlight, wear glow-in-the-dark accessories and add reflective tape to their costume. Encourage kids to stay on well-lit streets and sidewalks.
Trick-or-Treat Groups: We encourage all young children to be accompanied by a responsible adult while trick-or-treating. Older kids who go out on their own should stay in groups and have a designated route parents or guardians are aware of. Please make sure your kids have a cell phone to stay in touch!
Treat Inspection: When your children return home, take the time to inspect their candy before allowing them to indulge. Throw away any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items. It’s also wise to set a limit on the amount of candy consumed in one night!
Respect Private Property: Teach your children to respect others' property, by not walking through lawns, gardens, or trample over decorations. Halloween is about fun, not causing damage or distress.
Street Safety: We want to emphasize the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks, follow traffic signals and always be cautious around moving vehicles.
Let's come together to make this Halloween a night to remember for all the right reasons. Our community's safety is a shared responsibility, and we must all do our part to ensure that the festivities are safe and trouble-free.
As your Sheriff, I encourage you to have a spooky, safe and enjoyable Halloween. Let's work together to create cherished memories and make this holiday a true celebration of unity within our community.
Be Kind, Be Safe, God Bless.
Sheriff Jim Potter