Officials remind trick-or-treaters to have fun, stay safe

With Halloween only a few days away, families across eastern North Carolina are preparing for a night of trick-or-treating.

Jacksonville Commons resident Frank Pope says his family does a lot for Halloween each year.

"We try and put on a show for the kids," he explains. "A theatrical thing for the neighborhood."

He says his garage is decorated will all sorts of haunted props, but safety is always a top priority.

"There's always a lot of traffic, and the kids are distracted," he says. "We tell them to wrap in reflective tape."

The Jacksonville Police Department has a list of recommendations for how to a safe and happy Halloween. The advise trick-or-treaters to do the following:

Wear light-colored clothing - short enough to prevent tripping,

Parents can add reflectors to costumes and clothing,

Ensure that young children can see well through facemasks,

Accompany young children on Halloween activities,

Bring a flashlight or add reflective tape to costumes,

Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know,

Watch carefully for traffic,

Only give or accept wrapped or packaged candy,

Examine "treats" before allowing children to enjoy them,

Golf carts are not allowed on city streets and sidewalks.

The department asks that Jacksonville residents only be out between 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

As for Pope, he invites all trick-or-treaters to his home on Chastain Street to check out his Halloween display.

"We arrange the little kids," he says, "but can also scare the older ones."