Halloween Safety Tips From Somerville Police

People behind the wheel should drive slowly, adults should accompany young trick-or-treaters, and kids should learn the difference between a trick and vandalism.

Those are some of the safety tips offered by the Somerville Police Department in anticipation of Halloween.

Here's what they sent:

The Somerville Police Department will once again join forces with the Somerville Auxiliary Police and School Crossing Guards on Wednesday, October 31st, Halloween Evening to help make a safe and fun filled evening for Somerville Trick-or-Treaters.

In addition to the regular Somerville Police force, approximately 20 volunteer members of the Auxiliary Police and 30 School Crossing Guards will take up positions throughout the city, to assist the Ghosts & Witches of Somerville across our busy streets

The City Schools will also be closely monitored to prevent any damage to school property.  “Our goal is to provide a safe and happy Halloween for all of our children”, said Chief Thomas Pasquarello.  

Halloween Safety Tips

It is especially important for parents to adhere to a few safety rules for their children when they are trick-or-treating.

Parents Should:

- Instruct their children not to open their candy until they return home.
- Inspect all candy for tampering before their children eat it.
- Make sure an adult accompanies children.
- Know what route their children will be taking
- Have a set time limit for children to return home.
- Explain the difference between tricks and vandalism.

It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and assessable to trick-or-treaters. As adults there are some very simple things we can do to make the evening safe for everyone.

• Turn on your porch light.
• Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
• Drive slowly all evening-you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police. 

Children Should:

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• A Parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Be sure costumes, shoes, and treat bags are safe.
• Make sure that any accessories, such as fake guns, knifes, and other potentially dangerous items are not mistaken for the real thing.
• Fire safety and visibility are also important for adult costumes. Apply the same standards to adult costumes as you do to your children's.
• Remember adults that are dressed up can be pretty scary to young children.   
• Remind Trick-or Treaters:
  • By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Only go to homes with porch lights on.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
  • Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
  • Always walk. Never run across a street.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks 
  • Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.
  • Never accept or consume food items or drinks.
  • No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
  • Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity

Drivers Should:

- Drive in an extra cautious manner.
- Keep a keen eye open for children who forget safety rules.

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.