As Halloween quickly approaches, the City of Douglas asks neighborhoods to observe this traditional holiday on Monday, October 31st. Candy should be issued out to our young ghosts, goblins, and other costumed trick-or-treaters on October 31st, between the hours of 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Coffee Regional Medical Center will offer candy x-raying from 6:00pm-8:30pm.
The Douglas Police Department asks that parents do not allow their kids to be out past 9:00pm so that residents in participating neighborhoods will not be disturbed past the nine o’clock curfew. Drivers are urged not to impede the flow of traffic on neighborhood streets. Halloween participants are asked to show courtesy and respect to neighborhoods by ceasing to collect candy by 9:00pm. Also, motorists are advised not to impede traffic flow by parking vehicles on public streets and sidewalks. The Police Department also asks drivers not to park on the grass and in the yards of homeowners. Motorists may be cited for violations.
“Halloween should be a great adventure and a memorable time for children and their parents” says Chief Casteloes of the Douglas Police Department. “To ensure the safety of our children, parents or an older responsible child should accompany the trick-or-treaters. Children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Make sure your child has a flashlight, glow stick, or reflective tape on their costumes to make them more visible to motorists. Children should not run out from parked cars or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers. Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome. Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.”
Safety tips for people expecting trick-or-treaters should include the removal of anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited. Parents should warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering. Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters who are under three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard. Also, parents should watch the candy intake because too much candy can cause stomach aches and indigestion.
Children are also invited to participate in Hometown Harvest, Thursday, October 27th from 4-8 p.m. at the Madison Avenue vacant lot adjacent to City Hall. During Hometown Harvest, candy will be distributed from 4-6 p.m., a Kids Play Area will be open 4pm-8pm, registration for the costume contest will be 4pm-5:30pm, the costume contest will begin at 6pm, and the winners of the costume contest will be announced at 7:00pm. For information about Hometown Harvest, contact Pattie Merritt at (912) 384-5161.
For additional questions, please call the City of Douglas Central Services Department at (912) 383-0277.
