Next Thursday is Halloween and the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office already has plans to have extra deputies in place for trick-or-treaters and other activities taking place.

Deputies from various assignments will be ready to patrol neighborhoods that are expected to have high trick-or-treat activity, as well as respond to any other incidents that take place that night. While their main focus will be on the safety of trick-or-treaters, deputies will be prepared to stop anyone that tries to vandalize property as well.  

“I look forward to seeing all of the fun costumes on Halloween night and want citizens to feel safe when they go out trick-or-treating,” said Sheriff Eric Levett. “We will have a heavy presence in neighborhoods and want drivers to know that we plan on enforcing traffic laws to protect the children that will be out walking the streets that night. I also want to discourage anyone that plans on performing pranks that can get you in trouble. Just remember that deputies will be out to make sure everyone has a fun and safe night.”

Drivers are encouraged to be extra cautious Halloween night, especially when driving through neighborhoods, due to the influx of pedestrian traffic. Trick-or-treaters are reminded to walk in groups or with a trusted adult, carry flashlights to help you see and to make yourself more visible to others, always walk and not run from house to house, and to be especially cautious when crossing streets or walking with small children. Costumes and masks can limit vision and mobility, so sidewalks and crosswalks should be used whenever possible. Finally, parents are asked to check all collected candy to make sure it is safe. Candy should be checked for choking hazards, especially with small children, and to make sure wrapped candy hasn’t been tampered with.

For more Halloween safety tips, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/family/halloween.