Police share Halloween safety tips for drivers and parents

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Twin Falls Police Department shares a few precautions that can help families keep children safe on Halloween, as kids move between homes and drivers travel through neighborhoods.

Lieutenant Steven Gassert with the Twin Falls Police said the department encourages drivers to slow down in neighborhoods.

“We encourage our drivers to drive a little bit slower while going through neighborhoods, making sure to watch out for those little ghosts and goblins that might run out into the roadway,” Lt. Gassert said.

Lt. Gassert said parents can help protect children by making sure they can be seen, especially as it gets dark.

“If there’s a way they can work some glow lights or some reflective material into the costumes to be able to make those kids a little bit more visible, that will really help with the safety aspect of it,” Lt. Gassert said.

Cooler temperatures are expected, and Lt. Gassert said families should make sure children are dressed warmly enough while trick-or-treating.

“Maybe get their costume a size or two a little bit bigger, or maybe find a way to work warm clothing into the costume to still keep those kids warm,” Lt. Gassert said.

Lt. Gassert also encourages parents to accompany younger children to the door and pay attention to the candy they take home.

“We highly encourage parents that before they let their kiddos have any of the candies or treats that they get, for the parents to inspect it,” Lt. Gassert said. “If any piece of candy looks like it’s been tampered with, maybe opened, or looks kind of abnormal, for the parent to maybe dispose of that candy.”

The department is hosting its third annual Public Safety Trunk-or-Treat from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Twin Falls Police Department. The event is an alternative to going door to door.

Lt. Gassert said Magic Valley first responders, including fire department personnel, paramedics and police, along with community members, will be set up in the department’s parking lot.

“So that they can have a safe environment during the day where parents can bring their kiddos, interact with public safety members, and fill up that bag with candy,” Lt. Gassert said.

Twin Falls Police will also have extra officers on patrol to help respond to calls and focus on impaired driving.