Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal reminds residents that Halloween is rapidly approaching. Many parish children will be going door to door seeking treats. With a desire that all children experience a safe and happy Halloween, Sheriff Seal offers helpful tips for Halloween safety.

• All motorists should be especially alert on Halloween. Children will be focused on the event and not on safety. Drive cautiously and be especially watchful for children who may be crossing roadways, darting out from between parked cars or walking on the shoulder of the road.
• Parents should carefully choose costumes for their children. Fire retardant and light colored costumes are best.
• If masks are worn, make certain they have large eye holes for good visibility.
• Give children flashlights or glow sticks. This helps them to see where they are going and helps motorists to be able to spot them.
• Don’t place lighted candles in jack-o-lanterns. Consider using flameless candles or glow sticks.
• Instruct children to walk, not run, from house to house and not to cross yards or lawns where unseen objects can trip them.
• Provide adult supervision for children who are going door to door. Make certain the adult is visible when a child approaches the door of a residence.
• Caution children to NEVER enter a residence without the permission of the accompanying adult.
• Always remember, any person, including sex offenders, may be roaming our streets and roadways. Always stay with your children and protect them at all times.
• Instruct children not to eat treats while going door to door. All treats should be brought home and inspected by a parent or other responsible adult before they are eaten.
• If you have any doubt about any treat, throw it away.
• Above all, use common sense and take nothing for granted. The safety of any child is the most important element of Halloween.
• The best time for Trick or Treat is before sundown. Children should not be in our streets after dark.
• In lieu of traditional door to door Trick or Treat, there are several events planned by area churches and other organizations. Take advantage of these as they likely are much safer than going door to door. These events are usually advertised on social media.
• If anyone has any concerns during the “Trick or Treat” event, or any other time, please call your Sheriff’s Office at 1-985-839-3434. Our deputies will be on duty and ready to respond to any situation.

This should be a happy time for all parish children. I encourage all adults to make certain children have proper supervision and guidance. There is no such thing as being too cautious when it involves the safety and welfare of our precious children.

 Randy “Country” Seal is the sheriff of Washington Parish.