Halloween is Monday, Oct. 31, and the kids are eager to get out on the streets, but don’t let Halloween be a date of regret.  

On average, children have a higher likelihood to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Kidsafe.org, so be sure to put safety first. 
West Columbia Police  Chief Marion Boyce said there are precautions that should be taken to help protect your children. The WCPD will help. 

“We’ll have patrols out on Halloween,” said Boyce . “We’ll have a presence for Halloween.”

Boyce said police officers will work to help make sure the streets are safe for kids who are trick-or-treating. He offered some safety tips, too.

“First of all, look out for traffic,” said Boyce. He also said children should be accompanied by an adult. “Don’t go out alone,” Boyce said.

He said it’s a good idea for Trick-or-Treaters to wear bright clothes. Carrying flashlights of glow sticks in order to be seen is also advised. Also, as children go door-to-door, Boyce said it is important to be cautious. “Walk your child to the door and don’t go inside.”

Once the treats are collected be cautious. 

“Screen the treats,” Boyce said. “Inspect the candy. Make sure none of it has been re-wrapped. If anything looks suspicious or like it’s been tampered with; if it looks out of place, don’t eat it.”
Kim Barrett of West Columbia said Hallowenn is a favorite time of the year for her children, ages 10, 8 and 6. “It’s usually warm enough to enjoy the evening and we go out to Trick-or-Treat,” Barrett said. “And there are so many Trunk-or-Treats at churches. We go to as many as we can. West Columbia is a great place for Halloween.” 

Boyce also said there are online resources that outline precautions for kids on Halloween. A popular site is Kidsafe.org. Below are some safety tips from that site.

Lexington Two’s high schools put on two favorite Halloween events for community families. Airport’s annual Trick or Treat Lane, coordinated by Student Council, featured free candy handed out by school clubs and community members, plus a haunted hall. Brookland-Cayce’s Trunk or Treat, presented by the school’s DECA organization, drew costumed little ones for trick or treating in front of the school, with free candy handed out by student clubs and groups.

• WeCo River District Presents Trunk or Treat at Moseley’s Funeral & Cremation, Parking Lot, 914 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC, 29169 on Sunday, October 30, 2022, 4-6 PM.
  ** Free Admission **
  ** Candy & Games **
  ** Prizes & Raffle **
  ** Best Costume **
  ** Best Trunk **
  ** Meet WeCo River District Businesses **
• PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:
  Moseley Funeral & Cremation
  About Face Wellness and Medical Spa
  Always Original Bakery
  BrickHouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co.
  Cafe Strudel West Columbia
  Carolina Law Group
  Brookland Realty
  Inspection Pros
  Kerri Hubbard – SC Insurance Agent & Designer
  Nordan & Foster Custom Upholstery
  Bri L. Designs
  Thompsons Funeral
  WE’s
  Mooneyhan Auto
  Pedego Electric Bikes Soda City
  Healthy Roots Chiropractic
  West Columbia Police Department
  And many more…
  Featuring The Travel Food Truck for all your craving needs!
  
  Top Tips for Halloween Safety

• Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
• Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
• Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
• Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
• Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.