Halloween Safety

The day is upon us and although it feels like we’ve been celebrating for weeks, the actual trick-or-treating happens TONIGHT. While the standard door-to-door in your neighborhood is always popular, there are several alternatives available for those who prefer something different. We’ve listed some of the more popular options in the box below but for those determined to do it “old-school” here are some safety recommendations straight from the Huntsville police department to assure that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.

Children Should

Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks, never cross the street between parked vehicles, never go into a stranger’s house, watch out for cars backing or turning, wear bright colored clothing and use a flashlight.

Drivers Should

Keep an eye open for children who forget the rules, use caution when traveling and obey posted traffic signs especially in neighborhoods.

Parents Should

Instruct children not to open candy until they return home, inspect ALL candy for tampering, adults should accompany children, discuss the route their children should be taking and most important, explain the difference between tricks and vandalism (especially cemeteries).

Home Owners Should

Have a well lit home both inside and out to prevent vandalism and injuries, remove all obstacles from their lawns to avoid injuries and don’t use candles in ornaments that could set a fire.

Sex Offenders

Parents should check their neighborhoods for known sex offenders by visiting www.familywatchdog.us

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Alternative Trick-or-Treating

Police Stations: Volunteers and officers at all Madison and Huntsville precincts will be handing out treats from 5-7 PM (North will stay open until 8 PM).

• North Precinct – 2105-B Mastin Lake Rd
• South Precinct – 7900 Bailey Cove Rd
• West Precinct – 2110 Clinton Avenue
• Madison Police – 100 Hughes Rd

Mall-O-Ween: Visit the Parkway Place Mall or the Madison Square Mall from 5-7 PM on Halloween night as retailers throughout the mall will offer special treats to little ghouls & goblins in a fun environment.

Trick-or-Treat at the Library: From 10 AM – Noon and 4-6PM there will be a Spooktacular Halloween Celebration at the main library (915 Monroe St.). All the public services desks will be decorated for Halloween and children will be invited to go from desk to desk to “Trick or Treat”. The Youth Services department will also host some not-to-spooky Halloween stories, fun and games. Make sure your little Trick or Treaters wear their costumes!

Grocery Stores:Many local grocery stores (including Publix and Kroger) open their doors to children dressed in costumes Halloween night to explore each department. They can decorate cookies in the bakery, play a game of golf in the produce section or get an ice cream cone in the frozen foods section. It’s fun. It’s cute and it’s free. The store also provides a treat bag at the front. This year’s activities will be from 4-7 PM. Call your local store for details.

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