The Safe Kids Worldwide initiative suggests the following tips to help children stay safe this Halloween:
• Walk safely.
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
• Trick-or-Treat with an adult.
• Keep costumes both creative and safe.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
•Drive safely on Halloween.
With groups of ghosts, goblins and ghouls on the prowl Thursday in search of treats and tricks, authorities are urging caution on area streets to keep the county's youngsters safe from harm this Halloween.
"Everyone should remain aware of their surroundings, make sure they are wearing reflective clothing and utilizing sidewalks and crosswalks for their safety," said Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Ray Goodie. "Children should always be accompanied by an adult, and I hope that everyone has a fun but safe time."
While Dawson County doesn't designate when trick-or-treaters can go door to door, kids are expected to hit the streets as early as 4 to 4:30 p.m. for the annual Halloween ritual.
According to the Safe Kids Worldwide initiative, twice as many child pedestrians are killed on Halloween than there are throughout the rest of the year.
Goodie encourages trick or treating in larger groups or attending events planned as alternatives to going door-to-door for treats.
Dawson County Parks and Recreation's annual trunk or treat at Rock Creek Park offers a well-lit, secure environment for trick-or-treaters. The event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Halloween will be held at Rock Creek Park.
The park will designate a specific area for the free trunk-or-treat event and will section the area off so that vehicle traffic will not be permitted.
In addition to several local clubs, groups, churches and community members passing out candy, there will also be face painting, a bounce house, hay rides and a dunk tank, among others.
There will also be trick-or-treating at North Georgia Premium Outlets for children ages 13 and younger from 4 to 7 p.m. on Halloween. A list of participating stores is available at the mall's customer service desk in the food court.