As Halloween approaches, public safety officials are sharing tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe this weekend.
Local police departments and county sheriff’s offices remind drivers to be extra careful over the course of the weekend as trick-or-treaters travel on foot through neighborhoods. Officials also suggest trick-or-treaters wear light-up gear, glowsticks or carry a flashlight for increased visibility.
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“Parents [should] always escort small children and use flashlights or some sort of warning for drivers that are on the roads while you are walking,” says Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell. “Always know where your children are and if they receive an item that is suspicious report it to law enforcement.”
“Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods,” advises Cornelia Police Chief Chad Smith who provided a Halloween safety checklist.
Local police departments, like the Town of Mt. Airy, will have officers patrolling neighborhoods to slow motorists down. Still, trick-or-treaters and their grown-ups should make sure they look both ways before crossing the street.
White County Director of Public Safety, David L. Murphy, suggests attaching emergency contact information to children’s costumes and treat bags in case a child gets lost or needs emergency attention.
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When trick-or-treating, public safety officials ask that trick-or-treaters only approach well-lit homes with their porch lights on. They should also be aware of the hours they collect their candy, with the next morning being a school and workday.
“We would like to advise parents to be mindful of the hours they let their children trick-or-treat,” says Mt. Airy Police Chief Tim Jarrell. “Because Halloween is on a Sunday, children and adults have to be up early the next day for school and work.”
Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell says the most important safety tip he can give is to “be kind and courteous to your fellow ghosts and ghouls.” Take measures to be safe yourself, but also be more vigilant than usual to keep others safe, too.
