At tonight’s trick-or-treating event in Wheeling and other Ohio Valley cities, drivers are urged to slow down and keep an eye out for all the tiny goblins and ghouls looking for candy.
According to Lt. Joshua Sanders of the Wheeling Police Department, the town’s trick-or-treating event is scheduled for this Halloween from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
According to him, more police officers will be patrolling every neighborhood in Wheeling to ensure the safety of kids going door-to-door in search of candy.
During this time, drivers should reduce their speed and keep an eye out for kids who might unintentionally dart in front of cars while pursuing the candy.
“We’ve been promoting the slogan, ‘Slow Down, Back Off and Hang Up,’” Sanders said.
“That means we’re slowing speeds, creating reactionary gaps so you can react and taking away distractions.”
According to Sanders, parents should teach their kids how to cross at crossings so that cars can see them more clearly. Additionally, he stated that drivers have to be especially alert for youngsters crossing at particular crossroads.
Tom Howard, the sheriff for Ohio County, announced that his agency will also have deputies out tonight.
“We will have patrols out in the neighborhoods driving slowly and watching,” he said. “We want everyone to have a happy Halloween and to have fun.”
Sanders advised adults or parents to accompany younger children during trick-or-treating. Elderly kids should go in groups rather than by themselves. Kids should never go inside a person’s house to receive candy.
Before the session starts, parents should go over the route they are taking with their kids.
He mentioned that in order to make sure their older children are headed in the correct direction, people are now employing tracking applications on their phones.
Sanders advised parents to inspect their children’s candies before allowing them to consume it in regards to the snacks. Examine the item for any signs of tampered or opened packing and discard it. Additionally, he suggested, homemade treats ought to be thrown away rather than eaten.
Howard stated that anyone can bring in a suspicious piece of candy in their child’s bag the following day, on Wednesday, and deputies will run it through the X-ray machine if they would like it checked by his department.
According to Howard, the free service is provided the following day since deputies used to work over on trick or treat night to check children’s candy via X-ray, but nobody came up.
Since he became sheriff, according to Howard, nothing unusual has ever been discovered.
I’m not saying it’s not possible,” he said. “That’s why you should go to people you know and neighborhoods you know. Hopefully it does not happen, but there’s always a chance.”
Sanders advised anyone handing out candy to turn on a porch light so that trick-or-treaters are aware that they are doing so.
“If you’re a homeowner, make sure your yard is safe and clear slippery leaves off of sidewalks. Also watch out for your pets,” Sanders added. “If you light a bonfire, keep it away from trick or treaters.”
He pointed out that since the session will start in the dark, making youngsters more visible to drivers can be achieved by using glow sticks, reflective tape, or lights.
“The Wheeling police take this very seriously and always have extra staffing. … We will also have volunteers out helping make sure everyone is safe,” Sanders said.
According to Howard, kids should dress warmly for trick-or-treating because the weather is predicted to be cool.
Tonight’s local trick-or-treat hours are:
Benwood – 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Bethlehem – 6-7:30 p.m.
Unincorporated Brooke County – 6-8 p.m.
Cameron – 5-6 p.m.
Follansbee – 5-7 p.m.
Glen Dale – 6-7:30 p.m.
McMechen – 6-7:30 p.m.
Moundsville – 6-7:30 p.m.
New Martinsville – 6-7:30 p.m.
Valley Grove – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wellsburg – 6-8 p.m.
Wheeling – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
