Wenham Police Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 16, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wenham Police Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

WENHAM — As Halloween draws closer, Chief Thomas Perkins and the Wenham Police Department would like to remind residents to consider the following safety tips during fall festivities, especially for those who plan on trick-or-treating or who will be out at night.

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Saturday this year. Wenham’s official trick-or-treating hours will be from 5-8 p.m.

“Halloween is a fun night with a lot of people out enjoying the evening’s festivities,” Chief Perkins said. “We want to make sure everyone can enjoy their night safely, so we encourage all residents to review the safety tips provided.”

The Centers for Disease Control provides best practices for Halloween trick-or-treaters by asking that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto.

Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.

Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

Always test make up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent  possible skin and eye irritation.

Lower your risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever  possible.

Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.

Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t accept rides from strangers.

Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Those who are planning on attending a party in or out of town should remember:

• Many young children are out for the evening, especially during the peak hours of 5:30-7:00 p.m., so drive slowly!
• Not to drive a vehicle while wearing any sort of mask. Your visibility could be obscured.
• Have a designated driver if attending an adult Halloween party where alcohol is served.

Wenham Police will have extra patrol officers out on October 31. If there are any concerns on safety please contact the Wenham Police Department at 978-468-4000.

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