Halloween Safety Tips: Search for Sex Offenders in Your Neighborhood Before Trick-or-Treating

Parents preach all year long to not take candy from strangers — well, of course, unless it's Halloween. 

It's that time of the year for fun and fright, but there are some safety precautions to consider before taking those little ghosts, scarecrows and princesses out to trick-or-treat. 

Bath Township Police Chief Michael McNeely and Fairlawn Lt. Dave Mason said reserve officers will be in marked cruisers patrolling the neighborhoods during Fairlawn and Bath's trick-or-treat time. Click here for the date and time for Halloween this year. (The Bath Township Fire Department will also have an open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

McNeely and Mason recommend parents carry flashlights or wear reflective clothing if it's dark. McNeely suggested parents tell children that if asked to get in a stranger's car to scream and run away. Both officials say it's best to have an adult with any child or group of children that goes trick-or-treating. 

It's also important to know your surroundings. A list of registered sex offenders can be found on the Summit County Sheriff website. There are 15 people listed in Fairlawn and Bath's 44333 zip code.

A searchable database with an interactive map is available at Familywatchdog.org. 

Click on the .pdf attached to this post for even more Halloween safety tips provided by the Summit County Office of Consumer Affairs.