With Halloween just around the corner, Yates County Sheriff Frank Ryan is encouraging families to prioritize safety while enjoying trick-or-treating this year.
In a message to the community, Sheriff Ryan said Halloween can be a fun adventure for children — but only if parents and guardians take the right steps to keep them safe. His office released a checklist of safety reminders aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring a worry-free night.
Key tips include:
- Children under 12 should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Costumes should fit well, be flame-resistant, and not block vision.
- Trick-or-treaters should wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight or glow stick.
- Kids over 12 who go out without adults should stay in groups and stick to a planned route.
- Children should never enter a home without permission and only approach well-lit houses.
- Avoid shortcuts and stay in familiar, well-lit areas — never go into isolated spots.
- Only eat factory-wrapped candy, and bring it home for inspection first.
- Encourage children to speak up if they see or experience anything that feels unsafe.
The sheriff also stressed the importance of teaching kids how to recognize and respond to unsafe situations, saying, “Trust their feelings, and be sure to tell a trusted adult.”
Families are also encouraged to consider safe alternatives like school parties or community events. The sheriff’s office provides additional resources on its website, including offender lookups and automatic email alerts.
For more, visit www.yatescounty.org.
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