GALLIPOLIS — Trick-or-Treat times have been set for Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the city of Gallipolis and villages throughout the county.

Gallia County sheriff’s deputies and auxiliary members will be handing out candy in the following areas:

• Centenary — Ohio 141 near the gas station.

• Spring Valley Plaza — Jackson Pike.

• Village of Crown City — Fire station.

• Village of Vinton — Town hall.

• Mercerville store — Ohio 218.

• Bidwell — Post office.

• Rodney — Community Center parking lot.

• Gallia — Fire station.

• Gallia County Courthouse — Front steps.

The Gallipolis Police Department and the sheriff’s office have also issued the following safety tips:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

• Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

• Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

• To easily see and be seen, children and their escorts should carry flashlights with fresh batteries or glow sticks.

• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories, if used, should be soft and flexible to prevent injury.

• When purchasing costumes, wigs, and accessories, look for labels that indicate they are flame resistant. Review the concept of “Stop, drop and roll” with children.

• Remain in well-lit areas and always use the sidewalk, if possible. If there is no sidewalk available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

• Don’t assume right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters, just because one car stops it does not mean that others will. Drivers are also advised to keep speeds down in residential areas and keep distractions such as cell phones and the radio to a minimum.

• Children should not eat any treats until a parent or trusted adult has thoroughly checked the candy.

According to Sheriff Joe Browning, extra deputies have been scheduled to patrol the county’s 15 townships during the Halloween weekend as part of the federal overtime traffic safety grant. Deputies paid overtime to patrol the reduced speed zone areas will also respond to any calls for service in their assigned patrol areas. Citizens are encouraged to call the office dispatch at 446-1221 to report any suspicious activity.