Halloween night is expected to be busy in Orange County. Many local agencies and town government departments encourage county residents and visitors to stay safe when out and about.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has tips to keep both trick-or-treaters and bicyclists safe from drivers. For pedestrians, the DOT suggests enhancing your visibility by wearing something reflective, carrying a flashlight or walking in well-lit areas. It also warns of walking in the street, saying it’s always important to use the sidewalk and to walk facing traffic, if there is not one. For bicyclists, the DOT also recommends improving visibility, riding in the direction of traffic and always using a helmet.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office recommends similar strategies to trick-or-treaters and parents. It also asks parents to inspect their children’s treats once they get home, and to throw away anything that is unwrapped, discolored or has a strange odor.

For motorists, the sheriff’s office says be extra vigilant on the roads and in neighborhoods. It says children are twice as likely to be fatally struck by a vehicle on Halloween compared to any other day, so being alert while driving is important.

Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a statement he wishes families a happy and safe Halloween.

“We will be out and about in all communities working to ensure your safety and the protection of property,” he said. “We will be watching out for you, so please watch out for each other.”

In Chapel Hill, the tradition of gathering on Franklin Street is set to continue. The town issued warnings ahead of Thursday reminding people what items will not be allowed within the barriers. Police will confiscate accessories like fake weapons and paint. Any real weapons, explosives, fireworks and animals are also prohibited.

In a video produced by the Town of Chapel Hill, Police Chief Chris Blue warned motorists about venturing towards Franklin Street, Columbia Street and other popular streets where costumed pedestrians gather.

“Vehicular access to downtown is going to be extremely limited, especially between 8 and 10:30 p.m.,” said Blue. “Lane and road closures will be in place to provide a protective barrier for the large crowd that’s expected downtown.”

The weather for All Hallows Eve is expected to also present some trouble for those out celebrating in Orange County. Forecasts predict a thunderstorm in the evening, so be prepared for rainy and windy conditions in addition to a spooky atmosphere.

Related Stories
‹
Student's Threat on Social Media Leads to Arrest of Carrboro High Father
Carrboro Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office collaborated to investigate a threat of violence to Carrboro High School on Thursday morning, leading to the arrest of a student’s father and potential charges for a different student. CHCCS received a tip on their 24-hour tip hotline from a student about seeing a post on Snapchat […]
UNC Honors Orange County First Responders at Men's Basketball Game
Carolina Athletics honored first responders in Orange County at halftime of the men’s basketball game against The Citadel in the Dean Smith Center this week. Ten police officers, EMS, and firefighters were joined by their department leaders at half court to hear their names read aloud and be cheered by family, friends and Tar Heel […]
Orange County Section of I-40 To Add 2 Lanes; Construction Begins in Weeks
A new state construction project is working to widen Interstate 40. The highway will expand from two lanes to three lanes in each direction in the coming weeks.
Second Person Arrested in Orange County Murder Case
A second person has been arrested in connection with an attack in Orange County that left one person dead on October 11. Authorities arrested Cinnamon Collins, 49, and charged her with conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the attack on Tuckers Trail in eastern Orange County. Orange County Sheriff’s Office […]
Sheriff's Office Offers Location as 'Safe Transaction Zone' in Orange County
As online shopping services continue to boom, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is offering its building as a safe transaction zone for residents looking for a place to complete sales. The sheriff’s office shared a release on Friday, urging the Orange County community to be cautious in the wake of Andy Banks’ murder. The 39-year-old […]
Orange County Sheriff's Office Warns Residents of Ongoing Phone Scams
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office issued guidance to the community Wednesday as residents continue to fall victim to phone scams. The sheriff’s office shared a release with residents following a report of fraud on Monday. According to the office’s Community Watch Daily Report, a Hillsborough resident received a call from a scammer who used both […]
Southbound U.S. 15-501 Open Again After Overturned Trailer Causes Closure
UPDATE: By 11:50 a.m., law enforcement and the tow truck crew restored normal traffic patterns to southbound U.S. 15-501. An overturned trailer on a major Chapel Hill thoroughfare is expected to cause delays through late Monday morning and early afternoon. The Chapel Hill Police Department alerted the community of a wrecked trailer on U.S. 15-501 […]
Orange County District Court Judge Retires After 25 Years
About 50 people from the Orange County community gathered Wednesday despite rain and thunder to celebrate Chief Judge Joe Buckner’s retirement. His 25 years of service leaves him with one of the longest tenures in local history. As he told the group, that fact is not something he expected when he first took the position. […]
Orange County Detention Center Installs Changes to Protect Inmates from COVID-19
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is taking steps to keep its deputies safe and healthy while still serving the community. Keeping at least six feet away from people when possible, taking more cases over the phone and being cautious to not respond to medical emergencies without the right protective gear are some of the measures […]
Halloween Night Safety Tips for Orange County Residents
Halloween night is expected to be busy in Orange County. Many local agencies and town government departments encourage county residents and visitors to stay safe when out and about. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has tips to keep both trick-or-treaters and bicyclists safe from drivers. For pedestrians, the DOT suggests enhancing your visibility by […]
›