Halloween 101: 5 safety tips from Huntsville Police

single-meta-cal October 27, 2021

While families prepare for Halloween this weekend, the Huntsville Police Department is encouraging everyone to stay safe while having fun.

Lt. Grady Thigpen, who supervises patrol officers at HPD’s West Precinct, offers five easy tips to ensure your Halloween is a treat.

Set boundaries

Law enforcement officer

Lt. Grady Thigpen leads patrol officers for Huntsville Police’s West Precinct.

Before heading out for the night, talk with your kids about rules and where you will trick or treat. Set limits for how late you will stay out and always make sure your children have an adult with them.

Use caution

It’s important for children to stay out of roadways and on sidewalks. In residential areas, drivers should also be mindful of additional pedestrian traffic.

Reflective gear

It’s always a good idea to carry reflective gear or wear light clothing, so your children are easily visible after dark.

Check your candy

After you finish trick or treating, check your child’s candy. Discard any pieces that are opened or tampered with. If you don’t know who your child received homemade goods from, consider discarding those items.

Trunk or treat

Looking for an alternative to traditional trick or treating? There are plenty of free, family-friendly events offering candy for your kids. These local events are often held in closed parking lots and designated outdoor spaces to keep children contained and safe.

The Huntsville Police Department’s annual Halloween Party is Saturday, Oct. 30, from 5-9 p.m. at the Jaycee Community Building. Click here to learn more.

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HPD and the City of Huntsville wish you and your family a happy, safe and fun-filled Halloween weekend. If you experience an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergency requests, dial 256-722-7100.