Halloween safety tips for northern Nevada families

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Trick-or-treating in all northern Nevada counties will be held on Halloween night, Tuesday, Oct. 31.

With that in mind, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office wants to remind the public of some Halloween safety tips :

• Always trick or treat with an adult. Don’t allow a child to go outside alone.
• Accompany children to the door of every house they approach.
• Stay outside. Do not enter a home or apartment without adult supervision.
• Children should not approach any vehicle, occupied or not.
• Remain visible. Wear bright clothing or use reflective strips on costumes. Carry a glow stick or flashlight.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations. Look both ways before crossing, walk on sidewalks, and obey traffic signals and stop signs. Always walk; never run across streets or lawns.
• Trick or Treat at friendly homes. Children should be warned to never approach a house that is not well lit and does not have a porch light or outside light on.
• Do not go onto property’s that are marked “Keep Out”, “No Trespassing”, and “No Solicitors Allowed”.
• Never eat any candy until an adult checks it. Dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, has been opened, or isn’t wrapped.
• Children should immediately report to their parents and/or law enforcement if they see or experience anything suspicious. Instruct children to shout for help and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them into involuntary situations.
• A great alternative to trick or treating is for parents to attend community trick or treat events or organize at-home parties.

The day after Halloween, on Wednesday, Nov. 1, the sheriff's office says it will offer free Halloween candy X-ray screening at the Washoe County District Courthouse and the Mills Lane Justice Center. The Mills Lane Justice Center is located at 1 S. Sierra Street and the Washoe County Second Judicial Court is located at 75 Court Street, both in downtown Reno.

Authorities say the X-ray machines will detect metal objects only.

TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS

In addition, the Nevada Department of Transportation and the Nevada Highway Patrol want to remind drivers and pedestrians to be safe on the road this Halloween.

According to NDOT, there have been a total of eight traffic deaths and 578 crashes during the past four Halloweens in Nevada.

Officials urge drivers to always watch for pedestrians and yield when necessary. This, NDOT says, is especially true on Halloween night when young trick-or-treaters are out and about.

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NDOT says pedestrians should also remember to cross the street legally, making eye contact with drivers and waiting drivers to stop before crossing.