VALDOSTA — To give children and families a safe place to enjoy Halloween activities, the Valdosta Police Department has announced the city will support Trick or Treat activities on Saturday, October 31st between 6 and 9 pm.

To ensure the traditional evening is both safe and enjoyable for our citizens, extra police patrols will be scheduled during the scheduled trick-or-treating hours. The city also offers the following practical tips for citizens and their family members:

· 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.