A staff report
As Halloween draws near, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, under the guidance of Sheriff McVicker, is offering crucial safety reminders to ensure a fun and secure holiday for all. With the community embracing fall activities and preparing for costume parties, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating, Sheriff McVicker encourages everyone to follow these guidelines to help protect families and children.
Check the Local Sex Offender Registry
Before planning a trick-or-treating route, Sheriff McVicker advises parents and guardians to consult the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry. Available at https://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov/, this tool allows users to view a map of registered sex offenders’ addresses and set up alerts to receive notifications if a registered sex offender moves into the area.
Costume and Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
For those hitting the streets for treats, Sheriff McVicker offers these reminders:
• Choose costumes with bright colors or add reflective tape to improve visibility in low light.
• Ensure masks or costumes do not obstruct vision, keeping children aware of their surroundings.
• Adults should accompany younger children, while older kids are reminded to stay in familiar areas.
• Avoid accepting homemade treats and inspect all candy at home, discarding anything previously opened or tampered with.
• Carry a flashlight to safely navigate dark areas, and only approach well-lit homes.
• Never enter a stranger’s home.
Driving Safety on Halloween
Halloween is one of the riskiest nights of the year for pedestrians, particularly children. Sheriff McVicker urges drivers to exercise extra caution, especially when trick-or-treaters are out:
• Always keep headlights on and take additional care at crosswalks and intersections.
• Avoid texting while driving, which is not only dangerous but illegal in North Carolina.
• Drive slowly and ensure costumes do not hinder visibility or reaction time.
For Homeowners Handing Out Candy
Those welcoming trick-or-treaters at home can contribute to a safer Halloween experience with these precautions:
• Keep porches and driveways free of tripping hazards and ensure ample lighting.
• Only distribute unopened, pre-packaged candy and treats.
• Use battery-operated candles for jack-o-lanterns and decorations, avoiding fire hazards.
• Secure pets when opening doors to prevent accidents.
• Properly secure outdoor decorations to prevent them from becoming obstacles.
Sheriff McVicker reminds the community, “Halloween is a great time for families and friends to celebrate the fall season, which means there may be a large number of people out and about enjoying the festivities. It is important to take extra precautions on busy holidays like this one so that everyone in our community can have a safe and enjoyable time. Let’s work together to ensure that the scariest part of Halloween remains the decorations and costumes!”