Athens issues trick-or-treat safety guidance for Friday evening

Athens issued a public safety notice advising that trick-or-treating take place Friday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and setting several safety recommendations for residents, families and drivers.

The notice said participating households should leave their front porch light on to signal participation and advised motorists to “drive extra slow” and watch for children crossing the street. It recommended that trick-or-treaters use sidewalks or paths where available, cross at corners, and avoid darting into the street.

The guidance emphasized visibility: decorate costumes and treat bags with reflective tape or stickers and carry glow sticks or flashlights. For accompaniment, the notice said parents or guardians should join a 12-year-old for trick-or-treating; if a child is older and judged mature enough to go with peers, caregivers should set a planned route and a designated meetup point.

To improve accessibility, the notice suggested homeowners consider handing out candy from a driveway, garage or front yard if a porch has steps. It also recommended offering nonfood treats such as small toys or stickers for children with allergies or dietary restrictions and urged patience toward children who may communicate more slowly or use assistive devices.

The notice did not list contact information or enforcement details. It was presented as safety guidance rather than regulation; no votes, mandates or penalties were indicated.