Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police Provide Halloween Safety Tips
METHUEN — As Halloween quickly approaches, Mayor Steve Zanni, Chief Joseph Solomon and the Methuen Police Department are providing safety tips for residents as they prepare to go trick-or-treating.
Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. Trick-or-treating hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m.
“As always, we want residents to be able to enjoy their Halloween,” Chief Solomon said. “We hope that by providing these safety tips, we can ensure that everyone will celebrate responsibly.”
In an effort to promote safe trick-or-treating in the city, the Methuen Police Department reminds all children and their parents to only trick-or-treat at houses that are lit, and to plan their routes in advance. To help configure a route, Methuen Police suggest residents review a map of registered level 3 sex offenders so they are aware of who is living in their neighborhood.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time on Halloween,” Mayor Zanni said. “We remind residents that if they see anything suspicious, to immediately report it to police.”
The Methuen Police Department recommends that residents follow these safety tips:
For trick-or-treaters:
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, and only cross at corners.
- Wear light colored, reflective clothing, or a glow stick so that you are more visible.
- Only visit homes that have the porch light on.
- Carry a flashlight to illuminate your way.
- Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.
- Always Trick-or-treat in groups, never go alone.
- Have a grown up inspect your Halloween goodies before eating.
For parents:
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
- Be sure that costumes fit well to prevent little ones from tripping.
- Think twice before adding toy guns or knives to costumes. If you do, be sure they are soft, flexible, and that they do not appear authentic.
- Teach children their home phone number and how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
- Encourage children to eat dinner before heading out to trick-or-treat.
- Inspect children’s goodies before consumption.
For homeowners:
- Be sure that your yard is clear of tools, ladders, hoses and other items that children may trip on.
- Pets often get frightened on Halloween. Bring them inside, where there is no potential for them to bite a trick-or-treater.
- If you use real candles in pumpkins, place them away from where trick-or-treaters may walk.
- Healthy snacks are in! Individually wrapped pretzels, popcorn and boxes of raisins are good alternatives to candy.
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