Q: Do you have any Halloween safety tips?
A: Yes. First, plan a route in advance and only trick or treat at homes or businesses that you are familiar with. It’s best to go while it’s still light outside, but definitely stay in well-lit areas and with a group. Establish a curfew and stick to it, so your family will know when you will be home. Be sure to take your cell phone as it can be used not only for communication, but also to provide a flashlight.
Make sure your child’s costume, including masks and wigs, are flame resistant. They should also be light in color and reflective so they are clearly visible to motorists. Avoid costumes that are oversized and high-heeled shoes that can cause a child to trip. Instruct your child not to eat any treats until an adult can examine them.
If you will be out driving on Halloween, take extra time and watch for children darting in and out from between parked cars. Slow down and pay attention. Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleys very carefully.
Remember, if you see suspicious activity, call the Sheriff’s Office and report it.
Q: What should parents know about sexual offenders/predators in the area?
A: We have 211 active sexual offenders/predators in St. Johns County. We have a county ordinance, “Prohibited holiday activity for sexual offenders,” which details activities that a registered sexual offender cannot participate in. They are not allowed to participate in Halloween activities by wearing a costume or decorating their home to entice children. They must turn off their outside lights by 5 p.m.
We will have a detail from SJSO doing spot checks for compliance on Halloween. You can visit our website, www.sjso.org, select Resources at the top, and then select Locate Sex Offenders to determine if any are in your area.
Q: What is the Sheriff’s Office doing for Halloween?
A: For the third year, we are hosting a haunted house called “Sheriff Hardwick’s Haunted Jail,” on Oct. 20, 21, 27, and 28 from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. at 4025 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine. There will be concessions, photo opportunities and more spooky but safe fun for all ages! New this year will be a Trunk or Treat with the sheriff deputies.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sheriff-hardwicks-haunted-jail-tickets-718112111657
The Haunted Jail was organized and created by Sheriff’s Office employees as a 501.3c fundraiser for the SJSO Special Teams Association Inc. This is the safest place in town to enjoy a fun night for a good cause.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you with any questions or suggestions about this article?
A: They can email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call me at (904) 824-8304. Also, our website, www.sjso.org has a wealth of resources, from alarm registration to Crime Stoppers to our Neighbors app.
