Police offer Halloween safety tips as families prepare for trick-or-treating

JACKSON, Tenn. — Along with skipping those houses with the lights out, there are other things parents can do to make sure their kids stay safe on the scariest night of the year.

Halloween is right around the corner, and many kids are ready and excited for a day of trick-or-treating. There are some important safety tips families should know before heading out.

On Halloween, many children will be going door to door asking for tasty treats. The Jackson Police Department shared some tips for the trick-or-treaters and their families.

“When you’re going out, make sure that you take an adult or somebody that is able to supervise the kids,” Lt. Derick Tisdale said.

If you don’t know the area well, it’s best to stay away. “If they’re gathering candy, make sure you go to places that you are familiar with, homes that you know,” Tisdale said.

Also, watch out for what’s under the candy wrappers. “Any candies, any items that you may get from homes, bring them home and allow your parents or a responsible adult to go through your items before kids start eating,” Tisdale said.

Starting Saturday morning, the Jackson Transit Authority will be passing out something special to promote safety for all the trick-or-treaters.

JTA will have 400 reflective trick-or-treat bags to be given away on every city bus.

“We’ve been doing this now for 27 years, handing out trick-or-treat bags on our buses,” marketing and planning coordinator Michele Jackson said.

“The bag has safety tips on the back as well as on the front and says to watch for cars, don’t go out alone and stay in well-lit areas,” Jackson said.

Some folks feel reflective bags are a great idea but say adults are ultimately responsible.

“All parents should you know [to] watch out, don’t let them overdress because some people can think some children are grown when they’re young,”one JTA rider said.

Jackson police said officers will be patrolling Halloween evening as usual. Since JTA only has 400 bags, they’ll be given out as long as supplies last.