Jasper and Huntingburg Release Trick-or-Treat Hours and Tips During Pandemic

FROM LOCAL SOURCES

DUBOIS COUNTY -- While most events have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, one tradition that will go on as planned:  Trick-or-Treating.

Both Jasper and Huntingburg will hold Trick-or-Treating on Saturday, October 31st from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with the following guidelines:

  • It is recommended that everyone participating in the event wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth;
  • It is recommended that parents who are accompanying children carry hand sanitizer and use it before allowing children to remove their masks or touch their faces at the end of the event;
  • Those who are considered high risk due to age or health conditions are encouraged not to participate;
  • Those residents who are not comfortable participating in the event are encouraged to NOT turn on their outside/porch light during set hours;
  • Those who are trick-or-treating are encouraged to only visit homes with outside/porch lights on;
  • Social distancing is recommended except for those members of the same household who may travel as a group;
  • If you are handing out candy, it is encouraged that you limit your contact as much as possible and use hand sanitizer between contact with others;
  • If you are handing out candy or other food items, please use only pre-packaged food from a manufacturer; and
  • When handing out candy or food items, please place the items into the child’s bag or container and do not let children grab their own treats.

Listed below are some safety tips that the Indiana State Police Jasper Post would like to provide.

1)      Know what the dates and times are in your community for trick-or-treating.

2)      Make sure that you have a flashlight, glow stick, or reflective material on the costume so that you can be seen at all times.

3)      Always trick-or-treat with an adult or use the buddy system when approaching a house, and please practice social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.

4)      Please walk on the sidewalks and not in the roadway and make sure that you look both directions before crossing the roadway.

5)      Only go trick-or-treating at houses where the front porch light is on.

6)      Never enter the house of a stranger and preferably only trick-or-treat at homes that you are familiar to you.

7)      If a trick-or-treater gets separated from others, have them stay where they are and ask an adult for help. 

8)      Have an adult inspect the candy before it is eaten. 

9)     If you’re not actively participating in trick-or-treating and are out driving, we ask that you please slow down and drive with caution.

10)  Please follow your local health department and CDC guidelines for personal protective measures. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.  Everyone is encouraged to make your cloth mask part of the costume!          

The Jasper State Police Post hopes that these few safety tips help you enjoy your night out with friends and family while trick-or-treating!