Halloween treat-or-treating switched to Friday night in St. Bernard Parish because of expected heavy rains on Saturday; Sheriff’s Office to have extra patrols as it normally does for Halloween night

Halloween trick-or-treating is being switched in St. Bernard Parish to Friday night, Oct. 30, because of a significant chance of heavy rains on Saturday, Sheriff James Pohlmann and parish officials announced on Thursday.

As it has annually, the Sheriff’s Office will step up DWI and traffic enforcement Friday night for the protection of trick-or-treating children and adult party-goers, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

The National Weather has said heavy rains are probable for Saturday, which could make it unsafe for traditional trick-or-treating by children.

“Motorists are asked to slow down, be extra cautious and be especially watchful for pedestrians,’’ on Friday night, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

He said there will be extra patrols on highways and in neighborhoods to enforce DWI laws and traffic laws. Drivers should also look for possible road blocks or barricades in neighborhoods. Adults shouldn’t let children go around barricades.

Capt. Charles Borchers, director of community relations and the Neighborhood Watch programs for the Sheriff’s Office, emphasized that, “Children and their parents who are trick-or-treating should be especially careful in areas where there are still vacant properties,’’ in St. Bernard Parish.

Here are some Halloween safety tips offered by the Sheriff’s Office:

– Make sure children understand to never enter a stranger’s home, and when trick-or-treating is over no goodies should be eaten until they are taken home and sorted out to check that they are safe.

– Plan to wear costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

– Also, when shopping for costumes, wigs or accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame-resistant

– Secure emergency identification, such as your child’s name, address, and phone number, discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. Consider using makeup rather than masks since masks can limit or block visibility.

– Always travel in groups and make sure a parent or responsible adult accompanies young children on their neighborhood rounds.

– Secure pets in homes so they aren’t frightened and run away if trick-or-treaters come to your door.