For Immediate Release
October 17, 2000
--Press Release from Sheriff Butler--
Halloween Safety Tips
Cumberland County, NC; Sheriff Butler is reminding all Cumberland County residents that soon our streets will scattered with little ghosts, goblins and witches trick-or-treating this Halloween. And, to make sure this is a more enjoyable and safer Halloween, Sheriff Butler offers the following safety tips.
Remember that when designing your children's costumes that face paint is preferable to a mask. Masks should have adequate holes for proper respiration and peripheral vision. All trick-or-treaters should wear some sort of reflective clothing, carry a bright orange bag and carry a flashlight or glow-stick to make it easier for passing cars to spot them while they walk on the sidewalk or left side of the road facing traffic.
An adult should always accompany Young children. Either a parent or an older child should stay within close range at all times 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 travel in pairs or groups at all times while trick-or-treating and never venture down a dark, empty side street. Parents should know the route that their children are following. Children should always walk together to the front door of each house and never run across the street or across the yard. Dark, unlighted should be avoided.
Tell children to save all their candy until they get home, where an adult can inspect it. Adults should closely inspect all candy and throw away any unwrapped or suspicious-looking candy. If a child does get sick, try to determine what they ate and where it may have come from. Call a doctor or a hospital emergency room immediately and save the wrapper.
Also remember that jack-o-lanterns and other electrical decorations are potential fire hazards. Keep them out of the reach of small children and away from flammable materials - such as draperies, furniture and paper decorations. Do not leave your house unattended.
"Halloween is a fun time in Cumberland County" Sheriff Butler concluded, "But let's all try to make it a safe time as well."
Trick-or-treating in Cumberland County will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31st.
For more information on the news release, you may contact Stephanie Hardy, Public Information Officer at Phone: (910) 677-5487 Pager: (910) 677-4313 Fax: (910) 677-5558