Halloween is fast approaching, which makes this a great time to be thinking about how to make sure it's a fun and safe night for area children.  Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves offers the following reminders for parents:

• Consider attending an organized community "safe walk" or "trunk-or-treat" rather than going door to door
• If your children do door to door trick-or-treating, a responsible adult should accompany them
• Make sure children only go to homes approved by their parents
• Have trick-or-treaters wear reflective clothing or carry a light / glow stick
• Ensure costumes fit well and do not obstruct visibility
• Teach children not to go into homes without parental permission and only approach homes which are well-lit.
• Make sure children know their address and parents phone number, in case they get separated
• Make sure children walk on the sidewalks and not on the roadway

"Halloween can be a fun time for children and families and we want to make sure it's a safe time, as well," stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

"In addition to the safety tips provided above, I also encourage parents to go to our website, www.cherokeecountykssheriff.com and check for any publicly registered offender within a two-mile radius of their home or where they plan to be trick-or-treating," concluded Sheriff Groves.