DSP News Release:  Keep Safety a Priority this Halloween 

Date:  

·         Friday, October 28, 2011

Resume:

The Delaware State Police would like to remind parents, children, and motorists to remain vigilant and keep safety a top priority during this Halloween weekend.

Motorist Safety

·         Motorists are being asked to not only drive with extreme caution, but also to drive extra slow in neighborhoods and residential areas.

·         Children will be walking house to house and depending on the availability of sidewalks, may be near or actually on the roadway

·         With all the trick or treating excitement, children may inadvertently dart across the street into the path of moving vehicles

Trick or Treating Safety

• Children should never go trick or treating alone, they should always have a parent or a group of friends with them at all times.

• Stay off the main roadways.
• Costumes should always fit properly.
• Consider face paint instead of masks as they can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Trick or Treaters should always carry a flashlight.
• For added visibility consider using “glow sticks” and/or reflective tape attached to the costumes or bags.
• Before crossing the street, always look in both directions twice to make sure there is no vehicular traffic.

 Parents encouraged to review the Delaware Sex Offender Registry

Parents can find accurate information regarding the presence of sex offenders in their neighborhoods by visiting the Delaware Sex Offender Registry online at:

http://desexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/SexOffenderPublic/#

Parents are encouraged to review the list of registered sex offenders living near their neighborhood.  The Neighborhood Search and Mapping feature found on the website pinpoints exactly where an offender lives, therefore, educating the public on which house to avoid while trick-or-treating.

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration (SOAR) Unit will be working in conjunction with Probation and Parole ensuring that registered sex offenders are not participating in the Halloween activities and are in compliance with requirements.

Released:  102811 1130