Spooktacular Safety: 10 Ways to Stay Safe on Halloween

Halloween, with its costumes, candies, and carved pumpkins, is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. However, amidst all the fun, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Whether you’re a child trick-or-treating, a teenager attending a party, or an adult hosting an event, taking precautions is a must. Here are ten ways to ensure you have a safe and spooky Halloween.

 

  1. Plan Your Route
    For parents with little trick-or-treaters, it’s essential to plan your route in advance. Stick to well-lit neighborhoods and well-known streets. Knowing where you’re going will not only ensure a safer journey but also prevent kids from getting too tired.
  2. Choose Safe Costumes
    Whether you’re a parent or a reveler, selecting the right costume is key. Opt for flame-resistant materials and costumes that fit well, reducing the risk of tripping. Bright, reflective colors and accessories also increase visibility, especially at night.
  3. Use Makeup Instead of Masks
    Masks can obstruct your vision, making it difficult to navigate safely. Consider using face paint or makeup to create the desired look. If a mask is a must, make sure it has large eye holes for clear sight.
  4. Carry Flashlights or Glow Sticks
    Visibility is crucial, especially when trick-or-treating after dark. Equip yourself and your children with flashlights or glow sticks to ensure that you can see and be seen by others.
  5. Stay on Well-Lit Paths
    Whether you’re walking through the neighborhood or a haunted house, stay on well-lit paths. Avoid shortcuts through dark alleys, overgrown areas, or dimly lit streets.
  6. Check Treats Thoroughly
    For children, the excitement of Halloween candy is unparalleled. However, it’s essential to inspect the treats before indulging. Discard any open or tampered packages, and check for allergens or potential choking hazards.
  7. Trick-or-Treat in Groups
    It’s always safer to go trick-or-treating in a group. There’s strength in numbers, and children and adults alike can look out for each other. Plus, it’s more fun to share the Halloween experience with friends and family.
  8. Set Ground Rules
    If you’re sending your children out to trick-or-treat, establish a set of ground rules. Make sure they know your contact information, the curfew, and what to do in case they get separated from the group.
  9. Don’t Overdo It with Decorations
    When decorating your home, be mindful of the placement of props, lights, and candles. Avoid creating tripping hazards and keep decorations away from flammable objects. Ensure that pathways are clear for visitors.
  10. Plan a Sober Ride
    For those attending Halloween parties, planning a sober ride home is non-negotiable. If you’re hosting an event, consider offering non-alcoholic drink options and encouraging your guests to use designated drivers, taxis, or rideshare services.

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but safety should always come first. By following these ten tips, you can ensure that your Halloween celebration is both memorable and secure. Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or hosting a haunted gathering, taking precautions is the best way to enjoy a Halloween that’s full of treats and free from tricks.

Happy Halloween from Washington County Sheriff’s Department!

 

gun raffle

Annual Nebraska Sheriff’s Association Gun Raffle

It’s that time of year for the annual Nebraska Sheriff’s Association gun raffle. This is the main fundraiser for the Association.  The Sheriff’s Association has been instrumental in supporting/opposing legislative bills that affect all aspects of law enforcement.  The Association along with the State FOP, Police Officer’s Association, and Police Chiefs Association were instrumental in legislation awarding law enforcement officers longevity pay through the state and free college tuition for dependents of law enforcement officers at state colleges. The fundraiser also helps fund the annual conference in Kearney and awarding a yearly scholarship.

A maximum or 1500 tickets will be sold between July 1, 2024 to December 1, 2024. Drawing will be December 5, 2024.

Tickets are $50 each.  Each ticket gives you an opportunity to win 52 times. that’s only .96 per chance.  If you want to purchase a ticket, stop by the sheriff’s office at 444 So 16th St in Blair anytime between 8-4:30. Either cash or check (payable to NE Sheriff’s Association) accepted, or contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

SCAM Alert

We’ve had messages from citizens who received a call from someone claiming to be a Washington County Sheriff/Sgt. The callers are claiming someone has a warrant or court date and to avoid this they have to go get gift cards (specifically Walgreens?).

  1. First, we DO NOT call you if you have a warrant or pending court date and ask for gift cards to get out of it.
  2. Second, gift cards are not an acceptable way to pay any fines or fees in the judicial system.
  3. THIRD, this is NOT ACTUALLY OUR EMPLOYEES CALLING YOU. Feel free to give them your favorite snarky remark and check in with us.

Stay safe and if you have a question on a call you receive call Washington County dispatch at (402) 426-6866 on the non-emergency line.

2024 Golf Cart Raffle

2024 Golf Cart Raffle

Sponsored by the Washington County FOP Lodge 36

Enter to win a 2024 gas-powered Yamaha golf cart!
$11,000 value

  • Mag Wheels
  • Blue-Tooth Speaker
  • Light Bar
  • 4 Year Warranty

Tickets:
$10 each or 6 for $50

Contact the Sheriff’s office to purchase tickets.

Winner to be drawn on August 17, 2024

About Firearm Permits

We no longer accept handgun permit applications online or by mail. If you wish to complete a handgun permit application, please come in person to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

An applicant for a gun permit applying in Washington County must be a resident of the county and have a valid Nebraska photo ID or driver’s license. If you live in the city limits of Blair, you will be required to obtain the permit through the Blair Police Department. Persons who are a holder of a valid permit under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act are not required to have a gun permit.

The applicant must be at least 21 years of age and have no felony convictions, a criminal history check will be conducted when the application is made. Providing fraudulent information on an application for a permit is a felony offense.

Applications for gun permits may be made at the Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding legal holidays.

Permits are $5.00 and are good for 3 years.

If you have questions, or if we can be of service, contact us

Additional Information

Additional information about Concealed Handgun permits is available on the Nebraska State Patrol website  or visit the Nebraska Legislature website to review the statutes.

 

Pay a Citation Online

Need to Pay a Citation? Online Options Available.

Those needing to pay a citation can do so through the Nebraska Judicial Branch Internet Payment System.

Electronic payments processed through the system will be applied to the selected accounts immediately but will not be disbursed by the court for seven days. Transactions can only be processed by using a credit/debit card with a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card logo, or entering your bank account information (eCheck) as payment. Transactions will incur a minimum additional charge of $1.25 for each case or ticket/citation payment. Bond payments are not allowed online.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

In 2022, 6,325 drivers were arrested for DUI and there were 77 alcohol-related fatalities. Among all alcohol-related crashes in Nebraska, there were 76 fatalities and an additional 602 injuries in 2020. Although final data is not available for 2021 crashes, data show 30% of all fatalities were alcohol-related and nearly 62% of fatalities were not buckled up. We must do everything we can now to stop these dangerous driving behaviors!

Therefore the Washington County Sheriff’s Office NE is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown. Beginning August 18th and running through September 4th we will put extra Deputies on roads in Washington County where most of our driving complaints originate from and injury accidents occur. We are entering the last part of summer and the Labor Day holiday. We want to ensure everyone gets home safely. So please if you drink an adult beverage have a plan to get home safely. Do risk your life or the lives of others.

Funding for this event comes from the NDOT Highway Safety Office.

Fraternal Order of Police Raffle – Win a Cub Cadet!

 

It’s that magical time of year! SUUMMMMER! Which means it’s time for a raffle! This year we’re raffling off a Cub Cadet zero turn 46” mower with bagger (valued at over $5500)! Tickets are $10/each! Winner will be drawn August 2!

To get your tickets hit up your fav FOP member, stop by the Sheriff’s Office during business hours or leave us a message on FB and we’ll make arrangements with you!

Proceeds from the raffle support local scholarships, community foundations, shop with a sheriff and other great activities.

Thank you for supporting us and helping us support our communities!