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Before ghouls and goblins fill the streets in search of candy this Halloween, the Greenwich Police Department has a few tips to make sure trick or treating is safe for everyone.
“Don’t let the festivities take away your good sense and security.” said Lieutenant Kraig Gray, Public Information Officer for the Greenwich Police Department. “The most important thing is that we keep the community safe. There are a few things that parents should be thinking about with their kids. The number one thing is that although it is very exciting and the kids are young, there is still a lot of traffic going on and a lot of activity and parents should be cognoscente that the younger ones may not make the best decisions.”
“We do realize that dusk and a half hour after that time of day is very difficult for drivers to see. If the kids aren’t wearing a costume that is brightly colored, it could be difficult for motorist to see them.”said Lt. Gray.
The American Red Cross also has some tips for parents when it comes to costumes.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
- Use flame-resistant costumes.
- Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.
Adults should be careful with masks as well.
“If you are going to be wearing a costume, wear one which allows free movement. Don’t wear a mask that impairs your vision, said Lt Gray adding, “Halloween has definitely grown among adults as well so if adults and young adults are going to attend parties, number one, if there is going to be alcohol served, use a designated driver and do not drink and drive. Know what your limits are and make sure you have thought about it before going out to celebrate.”
Halloween Safety Tips
Motorists:
- Slowdown in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic laws.
- Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. Be on the alert for excited youngsters darting out in traffic whose vision may be obscured by masks.
- Enter and exit driveways with caution.
- If you are driving children around the neighborhood, make sure they enter and exit the car on the curbside.
- Drivers should not wear a mask or a costume that makes it difficult to move your arms and legs while driving.
- Designate a driver for “adult parties”.
Parents and Children:
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Police Department immediately.
- Use costumes with light or bright colored material and trim.
- Check to see that the costume does not interfere with walking.
- Encourage children to use face paint and/or make-up rather than hoods, wigs or masks that can block vision.
- Teach children not to cut across yards. .
- Do not accept rides from strangers.
- Check all treats before the children eat the candy and other Halloween goodies. Discard any homemade or unwrapped treats.
- Restrict Trick or Treat visits to homes with porch or outside lights on.
- Don’t go into homes.
- Give children a flashlight and fresh batteries so they can see and be seen.
- Children should Trick or Treat in groups, NEVER alone. An adult should accompany children.
- Set a time limit for your children to Trick or Treat. Designate a specific route for them to take.
- Children should obey all pedestrian safety laws: wait for green lights, walk, never run into the street, look left, right then left again before entering the street traffic. Cross only at street corners and never between parked cars.
