VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) -- The City of Valdosta is gearing up for Halloween!
The Valdosta Police Department has announced the annual trick-or-treating festivities are set for Saturday, October 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Valdosta kids are a part of an estimated 41 million children across the U.S. who will be out trick-or-treating this Halloween for an estimated $22 billion of chocolate and other candy. Firefighter and police officer costumes remain as two of the top picks for young trick-or-treaters.
VPD says extra police patrol will be scheduled during the scheduled trick-or-treating hours.
Valdosta Police also offer these safety tips for families:
- Children should walk in pairs, and always stay on the sidewalk.
- Adults should accompany children, especially those under age 12.
- Children should wear reflective clothing.
- Adults should pin a slip of paper on their children with their child’s name, address and phone number inside a pocket, in case he or she gets separated from the group.
- In addition to selecting a safe route with good lighting, children should also be equipped with flashlights with fresh batteries or glow sticks to increase visibility.
- Adults should inspect treats before children are allowed to eat them. Throw out unwrapped or unpackaged candy
- Children who eat a meal before they trick-or-treat may be less likely to eat the candy before an adult can approve it.
- Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
- Motorists should drive slowly and cautiously through residential neighborhoods. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
