Hello, my name is Zac Zedalis, and I was born, raised and educated right here in our Alachua County. I care deeply about our county and the people within it. I work everyday to serve and protect our community; however, no one person or organization can do it alone. We all must take part and be aware of the safety of our community. Please take a few moments to read the following safety tips to hopefully reduce any safety incidents during our upcoming holiday season. Thank you. – Zac
Child Safety:
- Trick or treat with friends or adult supervision. Don’t go alone.
- NEVER enter the house or car of a stranger.
- Trick or treat in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Stay on streets that are well lit and cross the street only at the corners.
- NEVER run across the street, and always look both ways before crossing.
- Do not take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or parks.
- Carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape so drivers can see you and you can see hazards in the street as well as other people.
- Only trick or treat at houses where the porch light is on and well lit.
Adult Safety:
- Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights and any exterior lights on.
- Patrol your street occasionally to discourage speeding motorists, acts of malicious mischief and crimes against children.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police department immediately. In many areas, you can dial 9-1-1.
- Candlelit jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of doorsteps and landings.
- Keep pets away from doors so children will not become frightened.
- Set a time limit for your children to trick or treat. Also, designate a specific route for them to take.
- Feed the kids before they go so they will be less likely to eat the treats before they get home. Warn them not to eat anything before you inspect it.
Vehicle Safety:
- Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. Be on the alert for excited youngsters, whose vision may be obscured by masks or dart out into traffic.
- Motorists should avoid all unnecessary travel on Halloween evening, and when driving, all motorists should drive slowly.
- Many accidents occur when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways. Make absolutely sure there are no small children behind your car first.