Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reminds all Putnam County residents to be especially careful during the evening hours of October 31st, as many of our young people throughout the County will be out and about celebrating Halloween or Harvest Fest. Parents are urged to follow the following safety tips:

Costume Tip:
Face Paint is safer than a mask - and it’s more fun!
If your child does wear a mask, make sure it has adequate holes for proper respiration and peripheral vision.

Trick or Treaters should:
Wear some sort of reflective clothing.
Carry a bright orange bag.
Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
Walk on the sidewalk or on the left side of the road facing traffic.
Young children should always be accompanied by an adult:
Either a parent or older child should stay within close range and never let the children go down a street by themselves. Walk with the children to each house and wait in the driveway or by the door until the children return.

Older children should always travel in pairs or groups - they should:
Never venture down dark, empty streets.
Let parents know their route.
Always walk together to the front door of each house.
Never run across yards or streets.

Avoid dark, unlighted houses:
Never go to the door of a house that seems unoccupied or has no outside lights on.
Children should save all candy until they get home:
Parents should closely inspect all candy and throw away all unwrapped or opened candy or suspicious looking goodies.
If your child becomes ill, call your doctor or emergency room IMMEDIATELY!
Try to determine what the child has eaten and where it came from. Save all wrappers.

Avoid fire hazards:
Remember - your jack-o-lantern and any other electrical decorations can be a fire hazard. Keep them out of the reach of small children and away from flammable materials.

Never leave your house unattended:
An empty house on Halloween is an invitation to trouble. If you have to leave your house, make sure all the doors are locked.

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