How to Stay Safe This Halloween

Here's a note from the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office about keeping your family safe this Halloween:

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff would like to offer children and adults some safety tips for those taking part in trick-or-treat or other Halloween activities. The Office of the Sheriff wants everyone to have a fun, but safe Halloween. 

• Wear a costume that makes it easier for you to walk, see and be seen. Costumes should be light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
• Purchase costumes, masks, beards and wigs that are made with flame-resistant fabrics and look for the “flame-resistant'' label. 
• Use reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights on the costumes. Bags or sacks children use for their treats should be decorated with reflective tape.
• Trick-or-treat when there is still light outside. Stop only at homes where the outside light is on. 
• Plan your trick-or-treat route ahead of time. Pick well-lit streets.
• Cross only at corners; obey traffic signals. Never cross between parked cars or mid-block.
• Do not go inside anyone’s home unless you are with a trusted adult.
• Carry a flashlight so you can see and be seen.
• If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic. 
• Children should always trick-or-treat under the supervision of adults. Trick-or-treat in a group.
• Do not let children accept homemade or unwrapped treats.
• Children should not eat any treats before an adult has examined them for evidence of tampering. 
• Report any suspicious activity to your local police department. 

Parents and guardians can also see if any registered sex offenders reside in the areas where trick or treating is planned. Simply log on to www.meganslaw.ca.gov. The Sheriff’s Office currently monitors over 300 registered sex offenders in the unincorporated areas of the county. 

Also on Halloween, several law enforcement agencies in Contra Costa will be conducting anti-DUI saturation patrols where officers will be cracking down on impaired drivers.

What measures do you take to make sure your family is safe at Halloween? Comment below.