Halloween is tonight, and Biloxi public safety leaders are advising those families who are not participating in organized gatherings to make safety a priority when trick-or-treating in city neighborhoods.
“We’re asking people to use common sense,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said. “We’ll have a lot people out trick or treating. We’re asking parents to watch out for children, and we’re asking motorists to be especially careful. Drive slowly and drive defensively.”
Biloxi Police offer these safety tips:
When trick-or-treating:
— A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
— Use a flashlight to see and be seen.
— Remove any mask or item that may limit eyesight before crossing street, driveway or alley.
— Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
— Trick-or-treat only in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
— Remain on well-lit streets and use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk exists, walk at the farthest edge of roadway facing traffic.
— Never cut across yards or use alleys.
— Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
— Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
— Always walk. Never run across a street, and only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
— Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have difficulty seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
— Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered. In fact, no treats should be eaten until thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
— Authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
After trick-or-treating:
— Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
— Try to apportion treats for the days after Halloween.
— Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are given only to those of an appropriate age.
News and notes
Halloween on the Green: To see more than 200 photos from the huge Halloween event on the Town Green Saturday,
click here.
Mall reminder: Families can trick or treat in the climate-controlled environment of Edgewater Mall this evening from 5:30 to 7:30. Children can pick up a free trick-or-treat bag at any of the mall’s four entrances, and mall merchants will stand ready to help fill those bags with treats. Those who arrive at 5 p.m. can see the Bayou View Middle School band perform at the Dillard’s stage area. One thing the mall asks: No masks for those older than 12, please.
