Motorists Reminded To Be Alert for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween
Shelley Hanson (File) Trending
WHEELING -- Motorists are reminded to slow down and watch out for all the little ghouls and goblins seeking candy during tonight's trick-or-treat session in Wheeling and other cities across the Ohio Valley.
Wheeling Police Department Lt. Joshua Sanders said Wheeling's trick or treat session is set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. today, which is Halloween.
He said extra police officers will be out cruising all of Wheeling's neighborhoods to help children stay safe while they go from house to house seeking candy.
Motorists who are driving during this time need to slow down and watch for children who may accidentally dart out in front of vehicles in their quest for the sweet stuff.
"We've been promoting the slogan, 'Slow Down, Back Off and Hang Up,'" Sanders said.
"That means we're slowing speeds, creating reactionary gaps so you can react and taking away distractions."
Sanders said parents should teach their children to cross at intersections so they can be better seen by motorists. And motorists, he added, should pay extra attention to those intersections for children crossing.
Ohio County Sheriff Tom Howard said his department will also have its deputies out tonight.
"We will have patrols out in the neighborhoods driving slowly and watching," he said. "We want everyone to have a happy Halloween and to have fun."
Sanders said younger children should be escorted by a parent or adult during trick or treat. Older children should not go alone but with a group. Children should never enter a person's home to get a treat.
Parents should review with their children what route they are taking before the session begins.
He noted people are also now using tracking apps on their cell phones to make sure their older children are going in the right direction.
Regarding the treats, Sanders said parents should check their children's candy before they eat it. Look for opened or tampered packaging and throw that item away. Homemade treats also should not be eaten and thrown away, he said.
Howard noted if someone finds a suspicious piece of candy in their child's bag and they would like it to be checked by his department, they can bring it the next day, Wednesday, and deputies will run it through the X-ray machine.
Howard said deputies used to work over on trick or treat night to check children's candy via X-ray, but no one showed up; that's why the free service is offered the next day.
Howard said nothing suspicious has ever been found since he has been sheriff.
"I'm not saying it's not possible," he said. "That's why you should go to people you know and neighborhoods you know. Hopefully it does not happen, but there's always a chance."
For those giving out candy, Sanders said people should have a porch light on to let trick-or-treaters know they are handing out candy.
"If you're a homeowner, make sure your yard is safe and clear slippery leaves off of sidewalks. Also watch out for your pets," Sanders added. "If you light a bonfire, keep it away from trick or treaters."
He noted it will be dark when the session begins so adding lights, reflective tape or glow sticks will help make children more visible to motorists.
"The Wheeling police take this very seriously and always have extra staffing. ... We will also have volunteers out helping make sure everyone is safe," Sanders said.
Howard said the temperature is expected to be chilly at trick or time so children will need to bundle up.
Local trick-or-treat times tonight:
Benwood - 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Bethlehem - 6-7:30 p.m.
Unincorporated Brooke County - 6-8 p.m.
Cameron - 5-6 p.m.
Follansbee - 5-7 p.m.
Glen Dale - 6-7:30 p.m.
McMechen - 6-7:30 p.m.
Moundsville - 6-7:30 p.m.
New Martinsville - 6-7:30 p.m.
Valley Grove - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wellsburg - 6-8 p.m.
Wheeling - 6:30-7:30 p.m.