Whidbey Island parents can help keep their little trick-or-treaters safe by checking a sex-offender website before hitting the streets this Halloween.

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown urges people to be aware of who lives nearby by visiting www.islandcounty.net/sheriff and clicking on the “sex offender information” tab.

In Island County, there are about 100 current registered sex offenders. Of those, 17 appear on the website because they are Level 3 (the highest risk), Level 2, non-compliant Level 1 or homeless.

Residents can contact the sheriff’s office directly, at 678-4422, to inquire about sex offenders not on the list.

Brown encourages citizens to check any addresses where they or their family members spend time. The mapping and address feature found on the website pinpoints exactly where an offender lives.

The website has other tools for residents, such as the ability to sign up for free automatic email notifications informing participants if a Level 3, Level 2, non-compliant Level 1 and/or homeless offender moves within a specified radius of any address that is registered.

“Knowledge is power and knowing where the registered sex offenders reside in your area can help you make the best choices for safe and enjoyable Halloween activities,” Brown said in a press release.