Washington County will conduct its Halloween festivities this Thursday as children and adults celebrate the holiday.

Trick-or-treating in Salem, Campbellsburg, and Pekin will occur between the hours of 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. Homes planning to welcome trick-or-treaters that evening should turn on their porch lights.

Parents and guardians should ensure children are never alone and are always accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating. Pedestrians should be mindful of vehicles and stay on sidewalks. Drivers should also be aware of increased pedestrian traffic on Halloween. After trick-or-treating, candy and treats gathered should be inspected to ensure all items are safe to eat. With these safety measures, community members of all ages can enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween.

“Halloween provides an opportunity for fun but also presents some increased risks,” said Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller. “We must create a safe environment for children to experience the holiday by staying in groups when out and about, following all traffic laws, and looking out for one another.”

The American Safety Council recommends the following safety tips to “Scare Safe” this Halloween.

S: Stay in groups.
C: Costumes should be well fitting and flame resistant.
A: Always accompany children.
R: Remember to look both ways when crossing the street.
E: Examine all treats before eating.

S: Stay on sidewalks.
A: Avoid dark houses.
F: Flashlights and glow sticks should be used for visibility.
E: Enjoy Halloween with caution!

“We look forward to hosting another fun and safe Halloween here in Salem this year,” said City of Salem Mayor Justin Green. “By following these simple safety tips, we can ensure wholesome Halloween fun for all children, families and adults in our community.”