It’s the biggest night of the year for many kids: Halloween equals costumes and candy. But it can also be dangerous and downright scary without planning and safety measures.
Metro Atlanta law enforcement agencies say they’ll be prepared for the tiny princesses and superheroes hitting the streets Tuesday for trick-or-treating. Parents, drivers and those not participating should also do their parts.
“We want everyone (especially our children!) to have fun SAFELY,” Marietta police said in a social media post.
This year’s Halloween will also feature a more frightening and cooler forecast than in recent days, according to the Channel 2 Action News weather team. Tuesday’s high temperatures will reach the upper 50s and will sink into the 40s by 8 p.m., prime trick-or-treating time.
“It will definitely be a year for some extra layers with the cold moving in,” Meteorologist Brian Monahan said.
Here are some tips from experts for keeping the evening fun for everyone:
1. Plan for traffic. The Georgia DOT says both metro Atlanta interstates and surface streets will be congested much earlier than normal Tuesday afternoon as drivers try to make it home and to holiday events.
“Travelers are urged to prepare to add 30 to 45 minutes of travel time,” GDOT said.
But that could be longer depending on the route. A particular hotspot for congestion is expected to be I-285 westbound at Ga. 400 and I-285 southbound at I-20 west, GDOT said.
2. Keep the costumes safe. Make sure clothing, wigs and accessories are fire-resistant. Give children glow sticks or flashlights if they will be outside after dark. Use sidewalks and crosswalks when available. Take a photo of your child before he or she heads out. In the excitement, a parent may forget what their child was wearing and this information is crucial should a child go missing, experts advise. Young children should never walk alone.
3. Turn on the lights if you’re giving out treats. Make sure walkways are clear of any debris or tripping hazards. If you’re not participating, keep the outdoor lights off to avoid unwanted visitors. Restrain pets so they don’t jump on or bite trick-or-treaters.
4. If you’re driving, watch for trick-or-treaters. Pedestrians have a 50% higher chance of being fatally injured on Halloween than on an average day, and 18% of those killed in fatal crashes on Halloween are children, according to AAA Auto Club Group.
“Trick-or-treating does not have to be a scary affair for pedestrians,” Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA, said in an emailed statement. “We encourage motorists to eliminate distractions, slow down, watch for children, and if alcohol is part your Halloween celebration make sure to have a sober designated driver.”
5. Plan a trick-or-treating route ahead of time. This way, children can avoid going to unfamiliar areas or homes. To avoid sending children to strangers’ homes, consider attending other events in the community.
In Atlanta, firefighters and police officers will pass out candy to promote a safe and fun trick-or-treating for youth in a Heroes & Halloween event.
These fire stations will distribute candy on Halloween night: Stations 2, 19, 28, 25, 18 and 26.
