By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

As Halloween is quickly approaching in Vicksburg, it is important for parents to inform children of the dangers of trick or treating.

Halloween will be observed by the city of Vicksburg between the hours of 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Oct. 31., and whether children decide to be a ghoul, a goblin, a ghost or a princess, safety should always be a first priority.

“It is extremely important for children to be safe while trick or treating,” said Vicksburg Police Department Crime Prevention Specialist Danielle Williams.“In fact we have a list of safety suggestions posted on the city’s website.”

The list consists of an array of suggestions for parents, children and drivers to follow during the observance of trick or treating in Vicksburg. With tips such as making sure children always carry a working flashlight and letting parents check candy before consumption, trick or treating should be a safe event during the Halloween holiday in Vicksburg.

Williams also had a few tips in addition to the city’s tips.

“Be sure that children do not go down any unknown paths,” said Williams. “And be sure to have reflective tape on your child so that they will be seen from a distance.”

Williams also reminds parents that children should be sure to stay away from poorly lit streets and should be mindful to never go trick or treating alone.

“If children do go trick or treating alone be sure they have a cell phone and know not to go off of the set path,” said Williams.

For children who are not old enough to go out alone, parents should designate a guardian over the age of 18 to go trick or treating as well. Williams also said to always check all candy before children consume it.

Parents and children are not the only ones who should be mindful of the citywide holiday event.

“Drivers should be cautious of children walking across the street,” said Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace. “Even though they will be with parents their main focus is not cars but candy.”

Drivers should always drive cautiously, yet during Halloween night extra care should be taken while driving. Drivers should be alert and aware of all pedestrians crossing the street and especially small children, who may cross the road without adult supervision.

As drivers are cautiously taking on the streets, officers recommend parents teach children pedestrian safety, such as checking for cars and walking on the right side of the road if a sidewalk is not present.

To stay safe, children should know not to cross the road without looking both ways and it is imperative that children avoid wearing huge masks or costumes which obscure vision, said Pace.

Officers also recommended Parents be wary of children’s costumes and be sure the fit is just right.

“Children should avoid wearing costumes that drape or that are too big for them so that they won’t trip,” said Williams. “If they are allowed to carry a prop, like a sword or something, be sure that it is flexible or made of rubber so that if children fall on it they won’t hurt themselves.”