CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The time will soon be here for all manner of ghosts, goblins and superheroes to descend upon Clarksville communities, knocking on doors and ringing doorbells, followed by that iconic Halloween greeting, trick or treat.
The City of Clarksville does not designate a time or rules for traditional Halloween trick or treating, except that the City’s regular curfew law for minors remains in effect.
A curfew has been part of the City’s code for many years, and will be in effect as usual on Halloween. The curfew prohibits minors 15 and younger to be on the streets or in public places from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and the curfew for minors 15-18 is 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
The provisions do not apply to a minor accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor, or where the minor is on an emergency errand or legitimate business.
Jim Knoll, Public Information Officer for the Clarksville Police Department, shared some Halloween safety tips with Clarksvillenow for children and adults alike.
When planning a child’s costume, make sure they can see where they are going and that the costume is flame retardant. Also, consider giving them a flashlight to further help with visibility when walking.
“If it’s a young child, there needs to be an adult or someone who is capable and responsible to be walking around with that child. They need to keep a good eye on that child to make sure that they’re safe,” said Knoll.
Let’s not forget about that bag of goodies. Parents should remind kids not to let their sweet tooth get the best of them and that they shouldn’t sample any of the candy until they get home and let an adult check to make sure the treats haven’t been tampered with.
Knoll further encouraged drivers to pay extra attention around Halloween as they will be sharing the streets with excited children going from house to house.
Finally, Knoll had this important advice for adults on Halloween. “There are statistics out there showing that Halloween is one of the times of year when there is a lot of driving while intoxicated charges.”. He added that there are lot of holiday parties, and people should have a designated driver.
Like in every situation involving a major holiday, the Clarksville Police Department will be out in force working to keep everyone safe. Knoll encouraged those who see anything suspicious at any time and especially on Halloween, to call 911.