Keep the monsters safe: SPD gives Halloween tips

Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. The holiday celebrating ghosts and ghouls as we know it in the US, began to gain popularity in the nation during the 1840s. 

On Oct. 31, the night will be filled with children seeking treats from homes here in Sheridan. While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan Police Department Captain Tom Ringely gave a few tips on keeping the little monsters safe as they travel through the neighborhoods stalking doorsteps in search of surgery confections.   

Placing reflective tape on costumes or trick or treat bags will serve as a way to alert drivers to the children’s presence in darker situations. Children can also carry small flashlights or glowsticks to be more visible. Choose face makeup over masks when possible to ensure a child can see clearly. 

Ringley suggested taking just a few moments with young children to remind them of the simple rules that should be followed when approaching street crossings. 

Ensure that drivers behind the wheel are keeping a heads-up for children and have put away distractions such as phones. 

According to the US Census Bureau, the estimated number of children that took part in Halloween Trick or Treating during 2020 is approximately 73.1 million.