Halloween is no longer a holiday celebrated only by children; teenagers and adults get excited this time of year as well and attend parties, travel to haunted houses, and wear costumes for fun. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will be on alert for any suspicious activity or hazardous environments in order to keep all Pinellas County citizens safe—both young and old.

Although your top priority may be getting costumes ready, we advise you to prepare for the spookiest night of the year by taking time to plan your evening and staying alert. According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween. Whether you have children and anticipate a night of trick-or-treating, plan to stay at home, or go out for a night of adult fun, follow these important guidelines to stay safe.

Safety Tips for Children

1. 1. Ensure young children are always accompanied by an adult. Travel in groups, and cross the street at intersections being careful not to leave anyone behind. Walk on sidewalks to stay visible to drivers and other trick-or-treaters.
2. 2. If older children or teenagers walk without supervision, designate a time they must return home and know exactly what route they take.
3. 3. Only visit lit houses and never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle while trick-or-treating.
4. 4. Carry a light source, like a glow stick, or wear reflective clothing to avoid getting lost or hit by a car.
5. 5. Test out costumes before wearing them on Halloween to make sure they are practical for walking long distances and preventing falls and injuries.

Home Safety Tips

1. 1. Instead of placing a lit candle in a pumpkin, light your jack-o’-lantern with a battery-powered light to prevent a fire.
2. 2. If you plan to pass out candy, remove hazards from your yard so the walkway is visible and free of items that could cause injury, like garden hoses, toys, and bikes.
3. 3. Always inspect the candy you receive before eating it. Throw away anything that is expired, open, or questionable. Don’t eat fruit or home-baked goods; stick to wrapped candy.
4. 4. Restrain pets properly as visitors come to your door.
5. 5. Be careful using sharp tools to carve pumpkins, and offer children to draw the design on the pumpkin instead of helping carve it with a sharp object.

Safety Tips for Adults

1. 1. If you plan to drink alcohol, always have a designated driver or use a taxi service, like Uber, so that you never drive intoxicated.
2. 2. Stay with friends or family members you trust; avoid strangers especially if they are showing suspicious behavior.
3. 3. If you see any violent activities, report them immediately.
4. 4. If someone you know becomes severely injured, looks like they might overdose on drugs, or is suicidal, call 9-1-1.
5. 5. If you are driving, watch for children walking on roadways, medians, or curbs.
6. 6. Last but not least: don’t eat too much candy – you’ll thank us later!