A local guide to Halloween safety: From sex offender regulations to inspecting candy

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Over 40 million trick-or-treaters are expected to hit the roads this Saturday for a holiday all about the scares, but there are local precautions in place to make sure things don’t get too spooky.

What are the rules for sex offenders?

According to the McLennan County Probations Office, sex offenders on probation must remain in their home from 6 - 10 p.m., keep their lights off, and cannot have Halloween decorations. Field officer teams will be checking homes to ensure those rules are followed.

Law enforcement recommends you plan a trick-or-treating route in advance and can check that route for sex offenders through the state’s sex offender registry search.

Parents: keep a watchful eye

While children may want to be independent as collect candy, Waco Police Department recommends that parents stay close by.

“Trick or treat in large groups… in areas that are well-lit," said Cierra Shipley, Waco PD’s public information officer. “Make sure that if you are going to be trick-or-treating in the evening and into those darker hours, that they have a glow stick, or a flashlight, or something reflective on their costume.”

Inspecting candy

Waco PD says be wary of homemade treats and check all wrappers. Shipley says parents should have a conversation with their children about “not opening their candy until they get home.”

Shipley recommends parents inspect candy into a well-lit room, checking that wrappers are factory-sealed, clean, and free of unusual discoloration, tears, or pinholes.

When in doubt... throw it out.

Watch the roads

With more foot traffic in the streets, children aged 4 to 8 are ten times more likely to be hit by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other evening, so Waco PD reminds drivers and trick-or-treaters to stay more alert.