Fall is upon us, cooler weather is finally here, and the Shreveport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to stay safe this Halloween. 

The department wants everyone to have a safe, fun Halloween, and residents can take a few simple, common sense precautions to make sure they do: 

ALWAYS have adults accompany young children.

Parents should inspect ALL candy before letting their children eat it. Eat only candy that is fully wrapped in the original packaging and avoid any items with suspicious wrappings or suspicious substances.

Residents expecting trick-or-treaters are urged to keep exterior lights on during Halloween night. Remove objects from the yard that might pose a hazard to little ghouls and gobblins.

Immediately report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly and watch for excited trick-or-treaters crossing area roadways, especially in residential areas.

Parents should ensure all costumes are flame-retardant, allow the child to move easily without tripping, and do not obscure visibility. Make sure kids have flashlights, reflective tape or light-colored clothing so they can be easily seen at night.

Ensure that accessories with costumes are made of soft, flexible materials.

Set a time limit for trick-or-treating. Know the routes you and your children will take and do not allow them to take short cuts through backyards, alleys or fields.

Remind kids to never, under any circumstances, enter strange houses or cars.

Check the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s website at http://www.caddosheriff.org/ for information regarding registered sex offenders residing in the area.

Remember to program the non-emergency number of your local law enforcement agency into your cell phone and always call 911 in case of emergency. The Shreveport Police Department’s non-emergency number is 318-673-BLUE (318-673-2583).

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