Skip to main content

Sheriff offers tips for safe trick-or-treating

While trick-or-treating can be a great adventure for children, parents are urged to keep it fun by following a few basic safety tips offered by Huntington County Sheriff Terry Stoffel:

• A responsible adult should always accompany children ages 12 and under when trick-or-treating.

• Ensure costumes fit well, are flame retardant and never obscure visibility.

• Have every trick-or-treater wear reflective clothing and/or carry a light or glowstick.

• Children over the age of 12 who are responsible enough to go without an adult should stay in groups, follow an agreed upon route and watch for cars.

• Check the Huntington County Sheriff's Department website for registered offenders residing in the area.

• Teach children to never enter any home without a parent or without permission and only approach homes that are well-lit.

• Remind children to stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts and never go into isolated areas.

• Let your children know to tell you or a trusted adult if they see anything weird or unusual.

• Teach children to bring treats home before eating them. Eat only factory-wrapped treats unless you know the giver well.

• Teach children to say NO and get away from any person or situation making them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused; even if it means yelling, kicking, attracting attention or any other means of resisting. Trust their feelings, and be sure to tell a trusted adult.

• Consider safe alternatives such as parties at home, schools or community organized events as a safe alternative to trick-or-treating.

More information is available online at the Sheriff Department's website, www.huntington.in.us/county/department/?fDD=18-0.

Trick-or-treat hours in Huntington County communities are:

• Andrews - Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Huntington - Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Markle - Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Roanoke - Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Warren - Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.