Pumpkin spice everything. Football. God’s palette on full display in the changing leaves. The cool, crisp fall air refreshing us all following this summer’s oppressive heat. We have been waiting for these mornings and evenings for quite some time, now, and they are finally here!
This weekend, we are looking forward to celebrating with our community and seeing all of the children stepping into their imagination for at least a few hours on All Hallow’s Eve. While there is a chance of rain this Saturday, we hope that it doesn’t put a damper on our festivities, as we all know we need it! For the parents, grandparents, or other guardians looking to take their charges around on a mission to collect as much plastic-wrapped sugar as possible, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson Police Department would like to remind everyone of a few simple safety tips:
Be SEEN!
Carry a flashlight, head lamp, glow stick, and/or reflective clothing as you wander the darkened streets. While many doorbell ringers will be walking, there will still be vehicles driving around and we don’t need any incidents.
Stay TOGETHER!
Cross the roads (using crosswalks where available) in a group, looking both ways before stepping out. Please don’t let young children run amok without close supervision. Women, girls, men, boys, and children of all ages should stay with a group and not get separated while trick-or-treating. Before leaving, set a time and place to reunite and stick to that plan. Make sure all groups have a way to communicate, making sure phones are charged before leaving.
Check the candy!
We all know that costumes and being with our friends are a large part of Halloween… but the CANDY is why the kids go. Please check all candy before consuming. If there are suspicious wrappers, please dispose of them immediately. Unfortunately, there are still people out there who will slip unwanted consumables into trick-or-treaters’ bags. Use caution and if you are concerned, verify its safety before allowing anyone to eat. Additionally, for our older holiday-goers at social engagements, please don’t eat or drink anything that you cannot verify its source. Don’t drink from unattended cups and make sure you have a friend you can count on to “watch your back.”
We look forward to seeing everyone in our county and city enjoy this weekend, and these simple safety tips will help everyone have a safe and enjoyable time! As always, Marion County Dispatch is open 24/7 and we are here to help.
We wish more treats than tricks this year!
Marion County Sheriff’s Office & Jefferson Police Department!