Halloween is almost here, but before your children head out to trick-or-treat, make sure you’re putting safety first, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

Most importantly, know which houses your children should avoid. Find out if there are sexual offenders and predators living in your neighborhood by visiting the CPSO website at caddosheriff.org. Click on the sex offender registry button at the bottom of the page and use the mapping and address features to see where offenders live. Then register to receive future alerts when an offender moves into your neighborhood.

“The community notification tool provides you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your family,” Prator said. “If you are trick-or-treating in a friend’s neighborhood, register their address so you know which houses to avoid.”

To make sure your child has a safe Halloween:

• Choose well-fitting Halloween costumes that are bright and reflective. Add reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Use face paint instead of a mask that could impair vision.
• Carry a flash light with new batteries.
• Always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Do not permit children to bike, roller-blade or skateboard in their costumes.
• Stay in a group, and don’t run! Never dart between cars. Cross at the street corners.
• Stay on sidewalks on well-lit streets.
• Only visit homes where the light is on.
• Never enter a stranger’s home for treats.
• Review your child’s route if they are old enough to trick-or-treat alone.
• Agree on a specific time when trick-or-treaters must return home.
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
• Eliminate tripping hazards around your home, specifically on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to little visitors rushing from house to house. Eliminate open flames that could catch a costume on fire.
• Remember that all treats should be thoroughly checked by an adult before they are consumed. Never eat treats that have been opened or are not wrapped.