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To ensure the safety of our children this Halloween, the Hopewell Township Police Department recommends that parents follow these safety tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Safe Kids Worldwide:
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
- Costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
- Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
- Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
- Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision.
- If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
- Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
- Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
- Never accept rides from strangers.
- Motorists should slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
- Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
- Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers. Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
- Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
- Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
- Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
- Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
For more information on Halloween safety please visit www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/ or http://www.safekids.org/.
