Halloween is Friday night, and Biloxi public safety leaders are advising those families who are not participating in organized gatherings to make safety a priority when trick-or-treating in city neighborhoods.
Recommended time for trick-or-treating: Friday late in the day, but before darkness sets in.
The city offers these tips:
When trick-or-treating:
— A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
— Use a flashlight to see and be seen.
— Remove any mask or item that may limit eyesight before crossing streets, driveways or alleys.
— Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
— Trick-or-treat only in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
— Remain on well-lit streets and use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk exists, walk at the farthest edge of roadway facing traffic.
— Never cut across yards or use alleys.
— Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
— Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
— Always walk. Never run across a street, and only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
— Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have difficulty seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
— Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered. In fact, no treats should be eaten until thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
— Authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
After trick-or-treating:
— Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
— Try to apportion treats for the days after Halloween.
— Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies) are given only to those of an appropriate age.
News and notes
Council meeting: All measures on the City Council agenda were approved this afternoon during the council’s hourlong meeting. To see photos from the gathering, courtesy of the city’s Facebook page, click here.
Cemetery reminder: You can see the graveside re-enactments in an encore session of the annual Biloxi Cemetery Tours today between 4 and 7 p.m. It’s free and educational, and free gumbo will be served afterward. Park at the Biloxi Elks Lodge, just west of the cemetery.
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