Press Release - 10/30/2013 - HPD Halloween Safety
Lee Woodward
From:Kristin Edwards
Sent:Wednesday, October 30, 2013 4:06 PM
Subject:HPD asks all residents to practice Halloween safety measures and be mindful of flash
flood warning - Press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
SHSU – slide on Channel 7, please
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IT – Please add to FB & twitter
Thank you for your continued support and assistance,
Kristin Edwards, TRMC
Deputy City Secretary
Halloween Safety – Tips and Guidelines
Several Halloween events will be held throughout the City during the next week, including the tradition
of “trick-or-treating” on Thursday, October 31.
The Huntsville Police Department asks the cooperation and increased awareness of our citizens to ensure
the safety of all involved, especially given the inclement weather forecast for the coming days.
“We want to encourage our residents to take extra precautions and be mindful of road hazards this
Halloween in light of the flash flood warning issued for Walker County,” HPD Lieutenant Jim Barnes
said. “Drivers in general should slow down, be prepared for slippery road conditions and be mindful of
additional foot traffic on our streets.
“The Huntsville Police Department wants everyone to have a fun and safe holiday.”
Please observe the following guidelines both on Halloween night and at other fall events:
• Proper Supervision – Parents/adults should closely monitor the activities of children near or on
the streets. Ideally parents should walk with children. Traffic congestion and risks to pedestrians increase
quickly when people drive from house to house or parents drive alongside walking children.
• Attempt to outfit your children in costumes that are brightly colored or light-reflective to increase
their visibility to motorists.
• Require children to wear costumes that allow them to move freely and don’t restrict their vision
in any way. Some more elaborate or restrictive costumes may be better suited for parties or other events
or gatherings.
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• In addition to some type of reflective apparel, one or more members in walking groups are
encouraged to carry and use flashlights.
• When walking on the roadway when no sidewalk is present, pedestrians should walk on the left
side of the roadway, facing traffic.
Drivers are asked to use extreme caution due to the increased number of people and vehicles on the
roads. In addition to the above safety guidelines for pedestrians, there are several laws pertaining to the
operation of vehicles that may apply.
• Vehicle passengers should be properly seated in passenger areas of vehicles. Traffic laws prohibit
operation of vehicles with riders on running boards, on hoods/roofs/tailgates of vehicles, in or on truck
beds, or on trailers.
• The use of all-terrain vehicles/four-wheelers on the roadway is prohibited.
• When driving on Halloween, motorists are asked to allow extra time in the event of congestion
encountered in their travels.
The Huntsville Police Department will have extra staff deployed for the observance of Halloween
activities. Officers will be promoting the safe enjoyment of activities as well as enforcement of violations
when necessary.
Media Inquiries: Lt. James Barnes
(936) 291-5496
(936) 581-3004
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