Capt.  Mason Adcock, who serves as the assistant chief of the Luverne Police Department, and Brantley Police Chief, Titus Averett, outlined steps that can be taken to ensure everyone has a healthy and safe Halloween.

One of the main things the two law enforcement leaders stressed is the importance of trick-or-treaters wearing costumes that ensure visibility.

“It’s a good idea for kid’s costumes to have some reflective material on them. A glow stick attached to their candy bag helps make the children more visible to motorists. Hats or masks that obstruct a child’s view need to be avoided and parents need to talk to their children about watching intently for traffic,” Adcock said.

Averett echoed his concerns about visibility.

“Parents should certainly put a lighting device on their children or some reflective tape around the arms or anywhere on the costumes really. I want parents to explain to their children why it is so important to be cautious of moving vehicles. It is kind of dark in a few places on main street and we are dealing with 331 traffic. We are going to be heavily patrolling the main trick-or-treating areas and will be out with the blue lights going, getting drivers to slow down, and helping children and parents get across the road safely. The fire department will be assisting with this,” Averett said.

Both officers stated that there would be extra personnel out during trick or treating to help ensure everyone remains free from danger. Officers on foot patrol will be out amongst the trick or treaters in Luverne.

“We always put out extra patrols during trick-or-treating and really keep our eyes out for any potential problems. We want everyone to have a great time and to remain safe while doing so. If these safety tips are put into action, any opportunities for problems to arise will be eliminated,” Adcock said.

The tips and suggestions offered by both officers were quite similar. Chief Averett and Capt. Adcock encourages parents and trick or treaters to familiarize themselves with this information.

• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk — don’t run — from house to house using sidewalks when possible
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home and treats are checked by parents.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review an acceptable route and agree on a specific time when children should return home. Instruct your children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone.
• Throw away any questionable candy or items.
• Anyone that plans to be on the road during trick or treating should follow these tips.
• Drive slowly, and don’t pass stopped vehicles.
• Always yield to pedestrians.
• Watch for children darting into the street, walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Use your turn signals and if you have to pull over to drop off or pick up your children, turn on your hazard lights.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Avoid distractions. It only takes a second for a child to dart out in front of your vehicle, so drive will your cell phone turned off or set to do-not-disturb.
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Like last Halloween, you may have to consider social distancing in addition to traffic, visibility and costume safety. To keep this holiday on a positive note, a little pre-planning and precaution while trick-or-treating can keep everyone safe and smiling.

Trick-or-treating in Luverne will be from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 30. Trick-or-treating in Brantley will be from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Oct. 28

Other Halloween festivities in the area will include:

Fall Festival at New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Highland Home- Oct. 24 4-6p.m.

Trunk-or-treat at Crenshaw Community Hospital-Oct. 30 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Treat’s on Us, hosted by The Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce, at the park Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Candy donations can be turned in to the chamber office by Monday

Trunk-or-treat, outside praise and worship service, cornhole, crafts and horseshoes-First Baptist Church Luverne-Oct. 30 5-7:30p.m.

Trunk-or-treat, outside praise and worship service, cornhole, crafts and horseshoes-First Baptist Church Luverne-Oct. 30 5-7:30p.m.

Living Water Coffee House-free hotdogs and face painting next to shop Oct. 30 5:30-7p.m.

South Ridge Wine-Oct.30 Free coke slushie for children. One per child.

Trunk-or-treat at New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Highland Home- Oct. 31 5-6p.m.

Fall Festival and Trunk and Treat at Crossview Baptist in Highland Home-Oct. 31 4-6p.m.

Please contact the Luverne Journal via Facebook to have your trick-or-treating/fall event posted on our Facebook page.