Trick or Treating hours in the unincorporated areas of Hancock County are set for 6 p.m. to 8 p. m. on October 31 and with Halloween right around the corner, Hancock County Sheriff Ralph Fletcher stresses the importance of safety during trick or treating. Statistics show the leading cause of Halloween injuries are falls or being struck or injured by a car.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office will be once again be utilizing the X-Ray machine in the County Courthouse, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Parents and children are welcome to bring their treats to the courthouse to be scanned. The machine is located in the lobby of the Hancock County courthouse. An employee of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office will be operating the machine.
Fletcher said, “We have been doing this for several years, and we have never found anything harmful or suspicious in the candy, we would like to keep it that way.”
To ensure a safer Halloween, parents and caregivers should accompany children under the age of 12. If your children are old enough to be without supervision, they should only go to familiar areas that are well-lit and stay with a group.
Costumes can be both creative and safe, but should include reflective tape, light colors, and some type of self-illumination such as a flashlight, glow stick, etc. Your child’s vision should not be obstructed by a face mask, using make-up instead of a mask is an easy method to prevent this.
Sheriff Fletcher encourages motorists to be more aware of children on Halloween. Keep in mind children are excited and may move in unpredictable ways. Be sure to look for kids at intersections, on medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully and concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Before you move make sure your travel path is clear and free from children.
Additionally, times for trick or treating for other local municipalities are as follows:
Weirton: 5:30PM – 7:30PM, October 31
New Cumberland: 5:30PM – 7:30PM, October 31
Unincorporated Areas: 5:30PM – 7:30PM, October 31
Chester: 5:30PM – 7:00PM, October 31