Halloween is just a week away, and most children are preparing for an evening of family fun and enjoyment. But local police also want residents to be safe and smart.
"Safety is an important part of any outing, and I would like to share with you a few thoughts when planning your Halloween," said interim Police Chief Milt Medeiros.
Motorists are reminded to pay extra attention for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. If you are headed to a costume party, make sure the costume doesn't hamper your vision while you're driving to the event. Motorists picking up and dropping off trick-or-treaters may increase the number of vehicles on city streets, therefore affecting normal traffic patterns. All drivers are reminded to be courteous and alert.
Trick-or-treaters should keep costumes short to prevent tripping and consider make-up rather than masks. Masks can make it difficult for children to see oncoming traffic. Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to dark costumes to make them visible. Flame resistant costumes are your best bet. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible when you're walking around a neighborhood.
Trick-or-treaters are also encouraged to do their Halloween trick-or-treating while it is still light outside. If you go out later, take a flashlight with you. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.
"Tell your child to approach only familiar houses that are well lighted," Medeiros advised parents. "Remind them they should never enter a stranger's house or vehicle. Trick-or treating with your children can be fun, and it limits potential safety risks."
Parents should also help children sort through the candy at the end of the evening and discard any treats that aren't fully wrapped or look suspicious.
If adults plan to attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, Medeiros said to make sure you have a sober, designated driver for the trip home.
"Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Drinking alcohol could have a sad and possibly a deadly result," he said, noting that the goal for all is to have a safe Halloween.
"Safety is an important part of any outing, and I would like to share with you a few thoughts when planning your Halloween," said interim Police Chief Milt Medeiros.
Motorists are reminded to pay extra attention for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. If you are headed to a costume party, make sure the costume doesn't hamper your vision while you're driving to the event. Motorists picking up and dropping off trick-or-treaters may increase the number of vehicles on city streets, therefore affecting normal traffic patterns. All drivers are reminded to be courteous and alert.
Trick-or-treaters should keep costumes short to prevent tripping and consider make-up rather than masks. Masks can make it difficult for children to see oncoming traffic. Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to dark costumes to make them visible. Flame resistant costumes are your best bet. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible when you're walking around a neighborhood.
Trick-or-treaters are also encouraged to do their Halloween trick-or-treating while it is still light outside. If you go out later, take a flashlight with you. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.
"Tell your child to approach only familiar houses that are well lighted," Medeiros advised parents. "Remind them they should never enter a stranger's house or vehicle. Trick-or treating with your children can be fun, and it limits potential safety risks."
Parents should also help children sort through the candy at the end of the evening and discard any treats that aren't fully wrapped or look suspicious.
If adults plan to attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, Medeiros said to make sure you have a sober, designated driver for the trip home.
"Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Drinking alcohol could have a sad and possibly a deadly result," he said, noting that the goal for all is to have a safe Halloween.
