AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – As kids get ready to trick-or-treat this Halloween, local law enforcement wants everyone to have fun and stay safe.
Captain Omar Rouse with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says safety starts with visibility and awareness.
“We do try to reach out to the parents and tell them to kind of put reflective gear on their kids when they’re out and about that night,” Rouse said.
“And the people that drive around in the neighborhood—to kind of just look out for the kids because kids at any moment could dart into the street.”
Rouse encourages families to stick to well-lit areas and walk in groups. He also reminds drivers to slow down in neighborhoods and stay alert for children crossing the road.
For parents like Maggie Walter, safety is a priority.
“I guess the biggest safety issue that we have to deal with, trick-or-treating with three young children, is cars on the street,” Walter said.
“And so we’ve chosen to go to a neighborhood that has a street completely dedicated to trick-or-treating. I think that will make a huge difference in terms of safety.”
Rouse says neighborhoods play a big role too. Parents should choose areas they know and trust.
“Pick neighborhoods that you already pre-canvassed and you know where you’re going because it can be dark outside and a lot of kids,” he added.
Some deputies plan to hand out candy while keeping families safe.
The RCSO will also host a trick-or-treat event tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
