News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Overton County Sheriff John Garrett said parents need to help their kids stay safe this Halloween Tuesday.
Garrett said he suggests that people go trick-or-treating before it gets dark. If you go out later, wear reflective clothing. Drivers need to keep a close eye for kids running and not paying attention. As for parents checking candy, Garrett said it makes the most sense.
“In today’s world, we have people out there that are willing to do things that they shouldn’t that might be harmful to folks, so in my opinion as a parent: yes,” Garrett said. “If you’re a parent, check your kid’s candy.”
Garrett said that people who want to participate in the holiday from their homes should have the lights on in their front yard and decorations out to let trick-or-treaters know they are welcome. Garrett said another good option is to go to a family-friendly event in the local community such as trunk-or-treating.
“Kids can dress up and just walk around where there’s not gonna be any traffic,” Garrett said. “That’s really a good segue to do it.”
Garrett said those wanting to keep trick-or-treaters should turn off their outdoor lights and avoid decorating their homes.
“If you can, maybe sit out on your front porch or wherever you would intend to give out candy. A lot of folks do that in the neighborhoods here in Overton County, and they greet the trick-or-treaters as they walk up the drive, so a lot of folks don’t even make it to the house while they’re trick-or-treating.”
Garrett said there is not nearly as much trouble with pranks today as there was in the past. But he said extra patrols will be in place to keep the peace.
