ORLEANS — The Town of Orleans has officially designated 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 31st, for “Trick or Treat” activities this Halloween night. The Orleans Marshal’s Office is reminding residents and drivers to prioritize safety to ensure a fun night for all the little “ghosts” and “goblins.”
Residents who plan to welcome trick-or-treaters are asked to indicate their participation by turning on their outdoor porch or patio light during the designated hours. Town officers will be on patrol and available to assist citizens throughout the evening. For non-emergency assistance on Halloween night, citizens can call the Orleans Police Department at 812-865-2222.
Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters and Parents
The Marshal’s Office has issued several key safety tips for children and accompanying adults:
Walking Safely
- Cross at Corners: Always use traffic signals and crosswalks. Follow the “look left, right, and left again” rule, and continue looking as you cross.
- Stay Alert: Put electronic devices down and keep your head up. Walk, don’t run, across the street.
- Make Eye Contact: Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before stepping in front of a vehicle.
- Use Sidewalks: Walk on sidewalks or paths whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Avoid Darting: Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Be especially mindful of cars that are turning or backing up.
- Group Up: Kids under age 12 should be accompanied by an adult. If older children go out without supervision, they should stick to well-lit, familiar areas and travel in groups.
Costumes for Visibility
- Be Seen: Decorate costumes and treat bags with reflective tape or stickers, and choose light-colored outfits to increase visibility.
- Clear Vision: Opt for face paint and makeup over masks, which can easily obstruct a child’s vision.
- Light the Way: Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see the path and be seen by drivers.
- Check the Fit: Ensure the costume is the correct size to prevent trips and falls.
A Message to Drivers: Drive Extra Safely
Motorists are urged to be highly vigilant during the popular trick-or-treating hours of 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., or during the town’s official 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. window.
- Slow Down: Be especially alert and slow down in residential neighborhoods, as excited children may move unpredictably.
- Check Intersections: Take extra time to look for children at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
- Be Cautious in Driveways: Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
- Eliminate Distractions: Get rid of any distractions, especially mobile phones, to concentrate fully on the road and your surroundings.
- Use Headlights: Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to help spot children farther away.
