Saturday, the young ghouls, goblins, princesses and superheroes of Picayune and Poplarville will be searching door to door for their next sweet treat.
The Picayune and Poplarville police departments would like to remind residents to take extra safety precautions this Halloween.
In Picayune, the recommended hours for trick-or-treating will be from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said.
“Our department will be out in full force patrolling during those hours to ensure the safety of children and residents,” Magri said.
While out and about during the night hours, officials with the police department recommend bringing along a flashlight or glow sticks and wearing reflective material on costumes. This will help ensure the children are visible to motorists while they are walking, Magri said. Also, children and adults must make sure to look both ways before crossing the street, as traffic will be heavier during these hours, he said.
The police department encourages motorists to slow their speed limits and be mindful of children in the streets.
If there’s available parking, the officials recommend parking vehicles and continuing through neighborhoods on foot. The fewer the vehicles, the less chance of an accident, Magri said.
The assistant chief also recommends that parents go through their children’s candy and throw away anything that is unwrapped or suspicious looking.
The department is also aware that there may be parties for adults where drinking is involved so they ask anyone planning to consume alcohol secure a designated driver, Magri said.
Lastly, if anyone is stopping in a store, the police department asks that people remove their Halloween masks prior to entering the establishment.
In Poplarville, the spooky festivities begin Friday night with Merchants Trick-or-Treat in downtown, Poplarville Police Department Captain Rossie Creel said. The event will last from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
During the event Main Street will be blocked off from East Magnolia to West Willie Street, Creel said.
In Poplarville, curfew has been set for 9 p.m. concerning trick-or-treating, Creel said.
There will be extra patrolmen working throughout the neighborhoods that evening, Creel said.
“We would like to remind parents to not leave small children unattended,” Creel said. “If you are pulling a hayride, use a legal vehicle, not a four-wheeler or tractor. During the hayride, always have adult supervision.”
Be mindful of traffic and make sure to carry plenty of lighting, Creel said. Motorists should be extra cautious and drive slower than normal.