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SUMTER (WACH) -- Ghosts, goblins and candy are what comes to mind when most people think of Halloween.  But in 2008, one Sumter family learned how dangerous that day could be.

Twelve-year-old T.J. Darrisaw approached a house on Wise Drive.  Multiple shots were fired killing the 12-year-old and wounding his brother and father.

It's been two years since that tragic night.

"We're still reeling from that Halloween, and it's always a constant reminder day-in and day-out, especially this time of year," explains Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson.

Patterson says Quentin Patrick never opened the door of his home when he started shooting at the family.

He fired more than 29 shots, later telling police he thought the 'masked men' were coming to rob him.

"It's very unfortunate because, in this situation, it was without rhyme or reason," Patterson adds.

Some neighbors are still so affected by the murder they don't want to talk about it on camera.

They say tragedies like this serve as a reminder about Halloween safety.

"It's a constant reminder that we do have to be safe," points out a neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous.  "We do have to be on the lookout.  We do have to make sure our children are in safe environments."

"Whenever a child is hurt in that way and a family is affected in that way, it's always going to be in our minds, and it's something we use as a learning tool to be safe," adds another anonymous neighbor.

Officials have some tips to keep your family safe this holiday.

Children should:
-Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
-Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.
-Know their phone number in case an emergency telephone call is necessary.
-Have their names and addresses attached to their costumes.
-Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
-Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.

When walking in neighborhoods Children should: 
-Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
-Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
-Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
-Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
-Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can obstruct a child's vision.)
-Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
-Avoid wearing long, baggy or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
-Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

Parents and adults should:
-Supervise the outing for children under age 12.
-Establish a curfew (a return time) for older children.
-Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
-Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
-Inspect all candy for safety before children eat it.

Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters: 
-Make sure children are supervised as they cross the street.
-Drive slowly.
-Watch for children in the street and on medians.
-Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
-Have children get out of cars on the curbside, not on the traffic side.

"Unfortunately, in the times we're living in, those are the things that we have to think about," says Chief Patterson.

Patterson says since the shooting Sumter residents have started putting signs in their yards to tell families it's a safe home for trick-or-treating.

Do you feel safe venturing out to trick-or-treat with your family on Halloween?  Vote in the poll below and leave a comment telling us more.