William “Ray” Stewart Jr.
October 30, 2024Weekend Roundup: November 1-3
October 30, 2024Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue from the Thibodaux Police Department and Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre both released information regarding Halloween night in the City Limits of Thibodaux and Lafourche Parish, including times, tips, and increased patrols.
CITY OF THIBODAUX:
Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue announced that increased patrol efforts are scheduled for Halloween (Thursday, October 31, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) in the City Limits of Thibodaux, in order to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. Officers will patrol with their blue/cruise lights activated to remind motorists to drive slowly and exercise extreme caution as children take to the streets. Parents and adults are encouraged to keep a close watch for all children and report any incidents or suspicious activity to any visible officer or by contacting the Thibodaux Police Department at (985) 446-5021. In case of an Emergency, Dial 9-1-1.
Chief Zeringue would like to offer some helpful safety tips to our community partners and their children, while they enjoy the Halloween festivities. “Hay-Ride” events are prohibited and we ask that you please avoid congregating in the beds of pickup trucks and/or on trailers pulled by ATV’s.
Halloween Safety
- Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury.
Hard Facts
- On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Top Tips
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
- Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups with preferably immediate family members.
- City of Thibodaux trick-or-treating hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
- When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Trick or Treaters
- Kids should try to stay in small groups of immediate family with a responsible adult, or teen accompanying each group. At least one person in the group should carry a flashlight in case it begins to get dark.
- Try to stay on well-lighted streets and do not go to homes that are not well lit.
- Never enter a stranger’s house even if invited and never take a ride from a stranger.
- Use sidewalks when possible. Always Walk! Never run across yards. Look both ways before crossing streets.
Treats
- Never eat treats from trick-or-treating until they are examined by a parent.
- Check wrappers of pre-packaged treats for signs of tampering and throw away anything unwrapped.
- If harmful items are found, notify your local law enforcement agency.
Parties
- Always know who is sponsoring the activity and how long it will last.
- Older children may wish to help supervise instead of trick-or-treating.
- Keep any paper decorations well away from heat or flames.
Costumes
- Wear comfortable street shoes. Avoid big, floppy shoes.
- Trick-or-treat bags and buckets should have handles to keep arms free.
- Bags should be easy to carry and should not drag on the ground.
- Carry-along props should be made of Styrofoam or cardboard with no sharp points.
- Hats, wigs, or beards should be secure and out of eyes.
Parents
- Avoid encouraging children to enter a stranger’s house. Never invite trick-or-treaters into your home.
- Give self-wrapped, homemade treats only to children you know, and wrapped commercial treats to others.
- Know the supervising adult and friends your children may be with, and exactly what route they will be taking.
- Try not to leave your home unattended on Halloween Night.
- Leave a porch light on, so children will know it’s okay to visit your home.
- Keep pets inside the house, garage, or shed.
- Use flashlights or LED Candles in Jack-lanterns, opposed to using a fire lit candle.
Weather
- If rain gear is needed, please be cautious of others upon using an umbrella. If roadways are wet, please wear nonskid shoes, to prevent any slipping hazards.
Chief Zeringue and the Thibodaux Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy & Safe Halloween. Chief Zeringue added that “Safety is priority. Although we all want to share a good time with the kids, we must come together as a community to ensure public safety. Intensified patrols will be conducted throughout the community, but it is vital that adults assist with keeping our children safe”.
LAFOURCHE PARISH:
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced deputies will conduct the annual Blue Light Special patrol on Halloween to help keep trick-or-treaters safe. More than 100 deputies will patrol the streets of Lafourche Parish neighborhoods on Thursday, October 31. This effort will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., surrounding the hours when trick-or-treating is typically most active. During the Blue Light Special patrol, deputies will patrol with overhead lights activated to remind motorists to drive slowly and exercise caution for those families who are trick-or-treating.
“We encourage adults to eliminate distractions and be vigilant in supervising children, said Sheriff Webre. “We will have deputies patrolling in neighborhoods throughout the parish to ensure safety and allow for a quick response in case of an emergency.”
Sheriff Webre offers these safety tips for trick-or-treating:
- Remind children to walk (don’t run) on sidewalks or near the edge of the roadway.
- Avoid distractions (such as cell phones), especially while supervising children.
- Make your child’s costume distinguishable and safe by using glow bracelets/sticks, reflective tape, lights, or other items.
- Ensure your child’s costume is fire-resistant and fits properly to prevent trips and falls.
- Consider using makeup and face paint instead of masks which can block a person’s view.
- Inspect all treats collected, and discard anything that is not sealed.
- Remind children to stay in front of residences giving out candy and NEVER enter a residence.
- Have a plan for if you and your child(ren) get separated.
Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes for trick-or-treaters. Clear sidewalks and pathways of any obstacles, and put away anything children could trip over such as hoses, toys, or yard decorations. Turn on your lights so your property is well-lit, and replace any burnt bulbs before Halloween. Secure pets so that they will not attack or frighten anyone.
Motorists are encouraged to keep travel to a minimum on Halloween night due to the high number of pedestrians on neighborhood streets. Those who must be on the roads are encouraged to drive cautiously and be alert for children as they will be excited and may move in unpredictable ways.
Deputies will also be conducting compliance checks for sex offenders on Halloween night. Sex offenders are restricted from wearing masks or handing out candy or gifts on a holiday such as Halloween. Deputies will visit sex offenders in Lafourche Parish to verify they are complying with the terms of their sentences.