Police Alert
Pennington Borough WILL NOT be shutting down any streets for Halloween this year.
To all Residents:
If possible, please do not park your vehicles on Borough Streets, for the safety of all children who are trick-or-treating.
The entire length of Burd Street will be designated “No Parking” from 3pm – 10pm on October 31.
What the Pennington Police Department will be doing:
- We will have a large police presence throughout the Borough.
- There will be lights at certain intersections with crossing guards or police.
- South Main Street @ Curlis Avenue
- South Main Street @ Lanning Avenue
- Burd Street @ Lanning Avenue
- A command center will be set up at South Main Street and Curlis Ave. (Police, Fire and EMS).
- A police cruiser will be roaming the South Main Street and Burd Street area and other streets as needed with its emergency lights on to alert traffic of their presence.
- The Borough’s Speed Sign will be deployed on Burd Street.
- No Parking Signs will be put up on the entire length of Burd Street.
- For pedestrian safety, all other residents are asked not to park on Borough streets if possible.
- Police barricades can be easily deployed by the Police Department on Burd Street if needed.
Steps for an Extra Safe Halloween
Kids love the magic of Halloween, but costume and traffic safety are essential for trick-or-treaters. These tips can help make a safe and happy holiday for everyone.
Costume Safety
To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, Pennington Police has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won’t cause safety hazards.
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks / flashlights
- Opt. for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
- Always wear proper shoes for a lot of walking / running.
- Make sure when selecting a costume for your children that it is the proper size to avoid any tripping hazards.
When They’re Out Trick-or-Treating
Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween:
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
- Agree on a specific time children should return home
- Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies
- Children and adults are reminded to PUT DOWN THE CELL PHONES and any other electronic devices that can cause distractions while walking, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street
- Cross the street in a well-lit area with cross walks. Also, if there is a crossing warning light be sure to press it prior to entering the street.
- Before entering the street make sure any and all drivers see you and come to a complete stop.
- Make sure everyone’s cell phones are fully charged before going out for the night.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks or paths available, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Watch for vehicles that are turning or backing up that may not see you. Also, tell you children about the dangers of entering the street from between vehicles or areas that are not marked as crosswalks.
Safety Tips for Motorists
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
- Go below the posted speed limit if there is pedestrian traffic
- Always watch for children entering the roadway from area that are not expected.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you’re not rushing.
- Give extra attention when approaching an intersection.
