Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Since Oct. 31 falls on a Sunday this year, annual Halloween events have been moved to Oct. 30.

Trick or Treat the Streets will be held 5-7 p.m. in downtown Clanton, and Treats on Main will be held 4-6 p.m. in Maplesville.

Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon recommends attending organized events such as these or Trunk or Treats held by local churches to keep children out of the road.

For those that do Trick or Treat door-to-door, he said it is important to stay in neighborhoods of people they know.

“Always check your children’s candy prior to letting them eat it. It is always a possibility someone could tamper with it (in a way) that could cause harm to your child,” Shearon said. “Dress your children in some type of reflective clothing or add something reflective, so they can be seen in the dark or low light. Light up shoes can also be a good thing when in the dark or at least reflective shoes.”

Parents should accompany younger children, and everyone should be extra alert for traffic when crossing the street.

Shearon also encouraged drivers to be cautious and keep a look out for children that may be crossing the road.

“Even though the speed limit is set at a certain speed, when you factor in children go slower than that … make sure you can stop quickly,” Shearon said.

This year, the American Red Cross has also released a list of recommendations. It recommends giving children a flashlight to use while trick-or-treating and avoiding animals.

The organization is also encouraging outdoor events to limit possible COVID-19 exposure as well as using hand sanitizer and social distancing.

For those giving out candy, the Red Cross recommends removing any leaves and other items that trick-or-treaters could trip over and keeping the area well-lit.

The American Red Cross also recommends wearing a cloth health mask or setting up a bowl of candy in individual baggies to avoid contact with trick-or-treaters to limit possible exposure to COVID-19.