Halloween Safety Tips & Dothan Trick or Treat Hours

Trick-or-Treat, it’s that time again! This weekend there will goblins, ghosts and ghouls galore! The Dothan Police Department would just like to say have a safe and Happy Halloween. Trick-or-Treating will be observed in the City of Dothan on Monday, October 31, 2011 from 5p.m. until 8 p.m. During this time we encourage every driver to travel at idle speed in neighborhoods and watch for children in the roadway. Here are a few things to keep in mind this Halloween Season;

Before going out, consider children's fears. Halloween can sometimes be a frightening holiday for children. Your children may be dressed as non-scary characters but remember they are likely to encounter other children dressed in a variety of costumes. To help ease the fright of "monsters" and unfamiliar sights, parents should help their children interpret Halloween as a make-believe situation. Show children that someone is just wearing a mask by asking that person to remove it.

When Trick-or-treating… The most important thing to remember is to make children visible. Unfortunately, statistics show a child is four times more likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than any other time.

Costumes…Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) inside Halloween attire. Be sure costumes, wigs and accessories are flame resistant.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll," should their clothes catch fire.

When children bring their treats home, discard any homemade candy or baked goods. Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Here is a checklist for our little friends;

Never enter a stranger’s house and never accept rides from strangers.

Never trick-or-treat alone. Trick-or-treat in groups and have at least one adult with you.

Stay on sidewalks and crosswalks and be careful crossing streets, remember to walk, and do not run.

Look left, right, and then left again, before crossing the street.

Do not touch any pets you do not know. Keep in mind that even pets you know who are normally friendly may be frightened by your costume and may bite you.

Be polite and say thank you.