Parents Dish Halloween Safety Advice

People of all ages were at the Halloween Express in Rogers last-minute shopping. Parents at the store said the spooky holiday can be tricky as they try to keep their kids from harm’s way.

“We usually go with them and follow along behind them,” said Tracie Foresee.

“We don’t let them out of our sight,” said Foresee.

Some parents take their children trick-or-treating at public events or at their jobs.

“I know all the people there,” said Lisa Cronk.

“I’m helping with the candy so I know exactly who’s bringing the candy, who is handing it out, and what they are getting,” said Cronk.

Paul Ollivier said he makes sure he inspects his daughters’ candy.  

“Just to make sure they aren’t bad and they are sealed,” said Ollivier.

Ann Rabal, who was with her two daughters, said she makes sure they have a flashlight in hand.

“So they don’t trip over sidewalks or other hazards,” said Rabal.

“Cars can see them, people can see them and people who wear masks can see better too,” said Rabal.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office offers a sex offender map where pictures are available of high level sex offenders.

According to the sheriff’s office, by law sex offenders are not prohibited from passing out candy.

Lisa Cronk said the sex offender map is important during Halloween.

“There aren’t any sex offenders in my neighborhood,” said Cronk.

“The last time I looked at that was probably about a month ago, so I do look at that regularly,” Cronk said.

Ann Rabal said that as kids get older and trick-or-treat alone, the sex offender map can be handy.

“It’s something you don’t think about. It’s something that when I was a kid I didn’t have to think about, but you have to these days,” Rabal said.

A couple of Halloween events coming up this Wednesday include Mall-O-Ween from 6p.m. to 8p.m. at the Northwest Arkansas Mall sponsored by 5NEWS. Also, Trick or Treat at Central Mall in Fort Smith from 5p.m. to 7p.m.