Trick-or-Treat is Drawing Near, How to Keep the Holiday Safe

ZANESVILLE, OH – Halloween is quickly approaching which means your neighborhood might be a little more active with pedestrians and cars.

Some things for trick-or-treaters, as well as parents, need to keep in mind are to dress in bright colored clothing and never head to a neighborhood that you’re not familiar with.

Derrick Shilling, the Zanesville Patrol Commander, says for some homeowners, if you have a sidewalk near your property, to make sure it’s clear for the trick-or-treaters so they have a safe walking path and aren’t in the street.

“Just because the signs say that you’re allowed to go across, doesn’t mean that it’s safe to go across, so definitely be looking both ways.” Shilling said. “With some of the costumes that the kids are wearing with the bulky face masks and the big dinosaur blowups, parents need to make sure that their kids can see well out of those costumes, we don’t want anything that obstructs their vision.”

Shilling says for motorists who find themselves out on beggars night, please keep the phones and other distractions to a minimum.

He advises to take it slow as you begin to see more people as some kids may try to run to the next house.

Shilling also provided some tips on what to look out for once trick-or-treating wraps up.

“We also want the kids to try to stay in groups, if they can, or at least have an adult with them. We don’t want any kids out there walking alone, by themselves, that could become a hazard so just take care of each other.” Shilling said. “Don’t ever go into a stranger’s residence or get into their vehicle and then parents when the kids get home, make sure that you’re checking their candy. Anything that looks tampered with or has been previously opened, just discard that, it’s not worth taking that chance.”

Trick-or-Treat for the City will commence on Sunday the 25th at 5PM and wrap up around 7PM.