For the past couple of weeks I’ve been writing about my fears, but this week I decided to write about something that didn’t used to scare me, but now I am having second thoughts about: clowns.

For those of you who don’t know, there have been people running around all over America in the past couple weeks in clown costumes. These people have been trying to lure children into the woods with the promise of candy. They also like to stand in the middle of country roads and just stare at people as they pass by. These actions are truly starting to scare people, and although the clowns haven’t done anything, people are worried they may start.

Some people think this could all just be some Halloween joke, and that it will all end once October is over.

Some people believe it’s a publicity stunt for the new adaptation of horror legend Stephen King’s book IT. But the movie doesn’t come out until 2017, so that theory seems a bit premature. King himself has even spoken out about the clowns, tweeting “hey guys, time to cool the clown hysteria” (I really do love this man). To have even the brilliant mind that created Pennywise getting annoyed with the clown business says something.

When I first saw all of this happening, I was thinking, “oh, this would never happen in Iowa. Only big cities.” But then I saw a video that claimed to be from the back roads of Des Moines. And there have been reported sightings at University of Iowa and Northern Iowa. These sightings are hitting a little too close to home for me to be comfortable anymore, and that’s why I’m getting worried.

One thing I know for sure is that Halloween is going to be interesting this year, and many people are worried they won’t be able to tell the good clowns and bad clowns apart.

I have a feeling they’ll stay away from the overpopulated areas, so you should be safe when you go out, but remember to be aware of your surroundings. Especially if you are in charge of little children. These seem to be the ones the clowns are most interested with, because they have interacted with them. Children can’t always protect themselves, so always make sure they have an adult with them.

Some people keep saying they can take these clowns, and that they would totally beat a clown up if they saw one, but the truth is people’s barks are always worse than their bites. Don’t be the hero, just remember to be safe .

Please remember to be safe. Walk around in large groups this Halloween, and always make sure you have your phone within reach in case you need to make an emergency call. No piece of candy is worth your safety, even if it is a full candy bar.