Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year! From creative costumes and carved pumpkins to trick-or-treating with family and friends, it’s a night filled with fun and a little spooky spirit. As you prepare for Halloween across Orange County, I want everyone to enjoy the festivities while keeping safety a top priority.
Whether you’re escorting little ghosts and goblins through the neighborhood or handing out treats at your front door, a few simple precautions can help make sure the only scares this Halloween are the ones you planned!
For Our Trick-or-Treaters:
- Be bright, be seen! Choose bright costumes when possible and carry a flashlight or glow stick.
- Cross with care. Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and never dart between parked cars.
- Stick together. A responsible adult should always accompany younger children. Older children should travel in groups, follow a planned route, and check in with their parents.
- Treats can wait! Inspect all candy and treats before eating them.
For Drivers:
Halloween means more children and families walking through neighborhoods after dark. Slow down, stay alert, and expect the unexpected. Watch for pedestrians, especially near intersections, driveways, and parked vehicles.
For Homeowners:
Keep walkways and porches clear of debris, cords, and other tripping hazards. Use battery-operated candles in pumpkins instead of open flames, keep decorations away from heat sources, and make sure outdoor areas are well lit. If you have pets, keep them secure and away from the excitement at the front door.
Most importantly, parents should review safety rules with their children before heading out and remind them to stay with their group and never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is proud to serve our community, and we want every family to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween. Our deputies will be out serving and protecting our residents, and we encourage everyone to do their part by looking out for one another.
From our Sheriff’s Office family to yours, have a Happy Halloween!
For more information or to contact my office, please visit www.orangecountygov.com and click on the Sheriff’s Office links or contact us at OCNYSheriff@orangecountyny.gov
