SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – Halloween is right around the corner, and though the holiday is all about fun, there are some dangers.
Downtown Spartanburg will welcome trick or treaters Thursday night.
Penny Shaw, the Program Coordinator for Safe kids of the Piedmont with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, said Converse Heights is a popular spot for trick-or-treating.
“Converse Heights is known throughout the City of Spartanburg as one of the best trick or treating sites, so the parents are known here to decorate and provide the best candy,” Shaw said.
While children are hunting for sweets, Shaw said there are some things parents should remember.
“Halloween is the most dangerous night of the year for pedestrians so it’s very important that parents take initiative, make sure children are walking safely,” Shaw said.
It’s important to ensure your child is visible. Shaw recommended that parents get their children retroreflective Halloween bags for candy.
“It reflects in the light,” Shaw explained. “I recommend that parents find containers that their children can carry around where they can be seen. You can get glow sticks, put the glow bracelets on and wear them, you want your child to be seen.”
Major Art Littlejohn with Spartanburg Police said law enforcement will have more eyes on the streets on Halloween.
“We have a plan,” Major Littlejohn said. “We have been doing this for years and we continue to follow that same plan.”
Littlejohn said their main concern is drivers not paying attention.
“Understand that kids are not thinking about traffic, the only thing they are thinking about is how can I get as much candy as I can in my bag,” Littlejohn added. “Around 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. kids are going to be out, probably 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. it’s probably over, in those times we want you to especially slow down and pay attention because children are not.”
Littlejohn said that drivers should also be mindful that children are trick or treating in areas recovering from Hurricane Helene.
The Spartanburg Police urged drivers to use extreme caution on Halloween night.
Shaw recommended that parents also make sure your child is removing their Halloween mask while walking and to check candy before it is eaten.
