Although Halloween is a time full of entertainment for many but it could also be an evening of mischief for other. For this reason, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is pleased keep everyone informed of some important safety tips. They provide an address to the Agency’s online registry of sex offenders, to ensure that parents are informed of identified sex offenders in their the local area.


The City of Andalusia and City of Opp have scheduled door-to -door trick-or-treat hours for Tuesday, October. 31.


Andalusia’s timetable will run between 5:30 and 8. p.m. Opp’s hours will start at 5:30, but will it will end an hour earlier, around 7 p.m.


The Town Red Level, in the Town Red Level, a trunk-or-treat will be held from 5:30 until seven p.m. in Main Street. Red Level will also observe its door-to-door trick or-treat hours during this period.


“This year Halloween falls on a Tuesday. This means that the normal morning commute will fall during the time when children will be wandering around the streets in search of candy or take part in other festive events. This presents an unique set of conditions that require a lot of planning and vigilance. Whatever way you or your loved ones will be celebrating the day We hope that everyone gets home safely and sound at time to end the celebrations,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.


National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) declares that Halloween is always among the three most dangerous holidays of the year in terms of pedestrian fatalities and injuries. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that children are two times more likely to be struck by a vehicle and killed during Halloween than any other day in the calendar.


“Ensuring the safety of children on Halloween is a duty that should be taken seriously. From choosing appropriate costumes to understanding the nuances of the night, every little detail is important,” said Colonel Jon Archer Director of the AL’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Make yourself as noticeable to motorists as you can especially at the dark or in low light using a flashlight sporting a strobe light that flashes, a small light, or by wearing reflective clothes. Drivers require time to be able to or recognize and react to a hazard they see in the road. The faster they spot you, the quicker they’ll be able to respond. Additionally, drivers must reduce distractions, speed down and keep an eye on children. They should also having a sober driver in the event of drinking alcohol in conjunction with the Halloween celebration. .”


As well as the safety guidelines The Agency also suggests visiting our online sex offenders registry to ensure that your children are in secure homes.



Security Tips for Trick-or-Treatters:


  • Be sure to stay on the walkways, and stay clear of walking through streets, if you can.

  • If there aren’t sidewalks you can take a walk along the left side of the road, facing traffic.

  • Be sure to look both ways and pay attention to traffic before crossing the street.

  • Check for cars that are that are turning or backing up.

  • Streets should only be crossed at the corners with pedestrian crossings and traffic signals and do not cross the street between parking vehicles or the mid-block.

  • Trick-or-treat with an ensemble if a person older can’t join you.

  • Inform your parents about the place you’re going.

  • Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries. Never shine flashlights directly into the eyes of drivers coming up.



Parents:


  • Make sure your Halloween costumes are fire-resistant and have a light shade to enhance visibility.

  • Be dazzling in the dark – let trick-or-treaters wear glow sticks or retro-reflective costumes and in treat buckets.

  • Be sure disguises don’t block the view and stay clear of facemasks that are full.

  • Make masks for face that coordinate with costumes, and won’t block vision.

  • You can ask an adult or an older child to supervise children who are younger than 12.

  • Remind children to go only in areas they are familiar with and follow well-established routes.

  • Help children be sure to only enter well-lit houses and never visit a stranger’s house or in a garage.

  • Review safety precautions for trick-or-treating such as traffic and pedestrian safety regulations.



Motorists:


  • Reduce distractions when driving, and focus at the wheel and the trick-or-treaters.

  • The slowdown is common in residential areas and be sure to obey all traffic signs and signals. Give you extra time to respond to children who wander into the street.

  • Watch out for children who are crossing the street. They may not pay attention to traffic, and could traverse the street in the middle of the block or between cars parked.

  • Be careful when entering and exiting alleyways and driveways, taking extra care when driving back as well as turning.

  • Make sure your headlights are on to make you more visible even in daylight.

The article ALAS: Be secure this Halloween, and local communities have set hours for trick-or-treat was originally published at The Andalusia Star-News.