For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

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

Dracut Police Department Provides Halloween Safety Tips

DRACUT — With Halloween around the corner, Chief Kevin Richardson and the Dracut 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. Trick-or-treating hours in Dracut are from 6-8 p.m.

“We always want to make sure that people are enjoying their Halloween activities safely,” Chief Richardson said. “There will be a lot of people out celebrating that night, so please take these safety tips into consideration so everyone can have a safe and fun evening.”

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.

If there are any concerns on safety please contact the Dracut Police Department at 978-957-2123.

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