Brookhaven authorities encourage residents to have a happy Halloween and avoid possible dangers.

“Parents, please check your kids’ candy before they eat it,” Police Chief Kenneth Collins said. “Make sure it’s not tampered with, and make sure it is candy.”

Reports of children who consumed marijuana-laced candies and chocolates resulting in emergency room visits increased sharply in 2022, according to the Mississippi Poison Control Center. These children found and ate these candies at home. Statewide the cases are underreported, according to MPCC director Jenna Davis.

“It’s hard to overdose on marijuana, but some of these gummies contain very large doses and some kids are eating a whole lot of them,” Davis said. She cautioned THC products should be stored just like any other medication, in a secure place out of sign and reach of children.

While out and about on Halloween night, Chief Collins also cautioned parents to keep their children close to them.

“Do not allow them to go out trick-or-treating by themselves,” he said. “Only go in neighborhoods you are familiar with, and don’t take items from people you do not know.”

While the City of Brookhaven does not sponsor Halloween events, police and other law enforcement officers will be out around the city during the evening hours of Tuesday, Oct. 31, to help keep pedestrians safe as they go door-to-door in various neighborhoods.

“We want this to b e a beautiful, happy, festive time of the year, but evil does not sleep and we must stay vigilant to keep each other safe,” Collins said.