Warner Robins police share Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treat night

Police urge drivers to slow down and parents to check candy and costumes as families prepare for trick-or-treating in Warner Robins.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With Halloween just days away, local safety experts are reminding parents to take precautions while kids trick-or-treat after dark.

With children going door to door collecting sweet treats, they need to know what to do if they encounter a dangerous situation. Warner Robins Police Department Community Initiative Officer Greg Martin says the number one safety tip is to never approach a vehicle or home that is luring them in.

“Absolutely say no, scream stranger danger, and run to the nearest house that’s lit up,” Martin said. “Because generally those that are lit are handing out candy or are either going to be out front of their house, or they’re going to have lights on to let you know they’re participating in the trick-or-treating.”

Martin says all parents should check each piece of candy before their child enjoys it.

“You want to look for candy that’s open, seals that have been tampered with,” Martin said. “It’s kind of hard to find little pen holes, but you want to try and find those as well. But the easiest way is to just pour it out and go through it carefully.”

He also says drivers should use extra caution between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in residential areas.

“If they’re driving through neighborhoods, they should probably slow down,” Martin said. “Keep an eye out for kids running out in the road. Also, have your headlights on so you can see them.”

Kim Wendler, the owner of The Party Store in Warner Robins, says to secure costume safety, buy all costumes to size.

“But if it’s really oversized, I would caution against it, because you don’t want your little one to trip,” Wendler said. “And the wigs too; a lot of children can wear the adult-size wigs, but you really need to look at it before you make the purchase.”

Wendler recommends children wear lighter-colored costumes so they don’t blend into the night.

“But you know kids like to do the scarier things and they want those costumes,” Wendler said. “So if they’re going to wear them, I would suggest using glow items or something that they can be seen in when they’re walking around.”