Lake City, Ark. — As Halloween approaches, Lake City Police Chief Aaron Bupp is encouraging families to take safety precautions while trick-or-treating Saturday night.
One major concern, Bupp said, is visibility once the sun sets. He recommended carrying flashlights and incorporating glow sticks into costumes to help children be seen more easily in the dark. Staying on sidewalks whenever possible is also key.
“You know, always carry a flashlight, get some glow sticks. I know kids love having glow sticks. Try to stay on the sidewalk if at all possible,” said Bupp.
Bupp also urged drivers to use extra caution in neighborhoods where children will be out and about collecting candy. He advised motorists to reduce their speed and remain vigilant for children crossing streets.
“I’d also ask those that are traveling in neighborhoods in their vehicles to, let’s keep it below the speed limit. Just always be mindful of other kids that might be out and about,” he said.
Parents, he added, should carefully inspect their children's candy to ensure the packaging has not been tampered with.
“Just check all the packaging, make sure if anything’s been ripped open or, you know, that you can tell it’s been opened. Yeah, it’s best just go ahead and discard it, be safe,” Bupp shared.
Local parent Victoria Pinson plans to stay close to home with her family during the festivities.
“So I have young kids. So we’re planning just to trick-or-treat some in our neighborhood. Our neighborhood gets a lot of children. So we usually do a big setup on our driveway,” Pinson said.
Lake City’s weekend curfew for minors is set at midnight, though curfews may vary in other nearby cities.
Additionally, the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a trunk-or-treat event at the Lake City Courthouse, 107 Cobean Boulevard, on Tuesday night. The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and provides another safe option for families looking to celebrate Halloween.
By following these recommendations, officials hope families can enjoy a safe and festive holiday.