City and county streets will soon be filled with children dressed in their favorite costumes visiting residents and businesses in search of candy and other tasty treats.
These youngsters, dressed as ghosts, goblins, witches, princesses, angels, action heroes, cartoon characters and much more will take to participate in the Halloween tradition known as “Trick- or-Treat.” Law enforcement officials encourage residents and motorists to be alert and cautious because safety will be the farthest thing from the minds of youngsters as they collect their sweet treats.
“It’s up to the adults to look out for their safety,” said Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge. “The No. 1 thing you remember is there will be an increase in pedestrian traffic during this time.
“Motorist are encouraged to reduce their speed when driving in subdivision. There will be a lot of children out on the streets and we want to maintain their safety.”
Halloween is Saturday and most Jones County communities have set “Trick-or-Treat” time for 6 to 8 p.m.
“Citizens are urged to be on the lookout for those ghosts and goblins that will be out in our streets trick or treating,” said Wanda Benson with the City of Laurel’s Public Relations Office. “Safety is the most important aspect of this day, so parents make sure that you accompany small children and only go to those homes that you are familiar with and those with the lights on.”
Hodge added that while Halloween is looked upon as a time for fun and treats, it can also be a time of danger and accidents, especially when parents and children are not careful.
“I always encourage folks to keep a close watch on the children,” said Hodge. “They should also work only one side of the street. Don’t cross back and forth.”
The sheriff said sometimes children run into the path of an ongoing motorist when they cross back and forth on a street. He advises them to work one side of the street first. Once they have reached the end of the street, cross to the other side and work that side.
“This will help cut down on a child’s chance of being hit by an approaching vehicle,” explained Hodge. “You just have to be sensible when you are out there with your kids.”
Capt. Tommy Cox, Laurel Police Department’s patrol division commander, noted that while 6-8 p.m. is Laurel’s the official time to “Trick-or-Treat,” motorists should use caution throughout Halloween night.
“Some people may not be able to do it during the set hours, so motorists should exercise caution throughout the day,” he said. “We don’t expect anything bad to happen. We just want to take the appropriate precautions.”
Hodge and Cox provided the following safety tips:
• Carry a flashlight.
• Make sure children have reflective clothing.
• Use sidewalks when available and make sure children stay out of the street.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Always watch for cars.
• Only approach houses that are well lit.
• Stay away from and don’t pet animals that you don’t know.
• Obey traffic signs and signals
• Avoid wearing masks that obstruct view
• Drivers should be extra cautious and slow down. Be aware of the young people who are out.
• Young children should be escorted by a parent or guardian.
• People should only trick or treat in areas they know and at residences of people they know.
• Parents should check their children’s goodies before letting them eat them.
• Pre-packaged candies and goodies are better than homemade and unwrapped
“This is a once a year thing,” Cox said. “We just want to help make sure that everything goes smoothly...We just want to have a safe event.”
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