Halloween 2016

Russell County Halloween hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m., on Monday 31, 2016

MOTORISTS

Motorists should exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle and be on the alert for excited youngsters who may dart into traffic.

ADULTS

Welcome trick-or-treaters by turning on your porch lights and any exterior lights.

Be sure that porch steps, front walks and yards are clear of any items that may be a hazard for approaching trick-or-treaters.

Patrol your street occasionally to discourage speeding motorists, acts of malicious mischief and crimes against children.

Call 911 to report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police department immediately.

Do not give homemade or unwrapped treats to children.

TRICK-OR-TREAT TIPS

Make sure children dress up safely

Make sure costumes are flame retardant so children are not in danger near burning jack-o-lanterns or candles.

Keep costumes short so children can walk without tripping or falling.

Try makeup instead of a mask. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, a dangerous thing when crossing streets and going up and down steps.

Make sure children wear light colored clothing, or put reflective tape on their costumes.

Make Trick-or-Treating Trouble Free Trick-or-treaters should always be in group. There is safety in numbers. Parents should accompany young children.

Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends. Together, map out a safe route so you will know where they are going. Tell them to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on. Remind them not to enter any houses or cars.

Try to do trick-or-treating while it is still light. After dark, make sure someone in the group has a flashlight, and travel well-lighted streets.

Remind children to obey all traffic rules: Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. Look in all directions before crossing the street. Cross only at street corners, never from between parked cars, and never diagonally across an intersection. Walk – never run -- across the street. Keep a safe distance from moving cars.

Remind children not to eat any treats until they get home and all items have been checked for sealed wrappers and safety. Eating a good meal or substantial snack before trick-or-treating will help them follow this guideline.