Chief Joseph O’Connor
219 Walden Street
P.O. Box 519
Concord, MA 01742
For Immediate Release
Monday, Oct. 31, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Concord Police Provide Halloween Safety Tips
CONCORD – As children head out to trick-or-treat tonight, Chief Joseph O’Connor and the Concord Police Department would like to remind families to follow several important guidelines to ensure they have a safe Halloween.
“On behalf of the entire Concord Police Department, we wish the community a happy Halloween,” Chief O’Connor said. “We ask that trick-or-treaters dress and act appropriately and that parents monitor their children’s activities closely so everyone can have an enjoyable night.”
Children should:
- Go only to well-lit homes and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
- Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.
- Know your phone number in case an emergency telephone call is necessary.
- Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
- Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
- Use flashlights to light your way and always walk on sidewalks.
- Cross streets at the corner and use crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. Do not cross between parked cars.
- Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant.
- Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can obstruct your vision.)
- Avoid wearing hats that will slide over your eyes, and long, baggy or loose costumes, along with oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
- Older children should remember that vandalism and intimidation are crimes. Halloween is a time for everyone to have fun.
Parents and guardians should:
- Supervise children under 12 years old.
- Establish a curfew for older children.
- Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns and sidewalks, and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
- Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
- Inspect all candy for safety before children eat it.
- If driving children between houses and neighborhoods, have them get out of cars on the curbside, not on the traffic side.
Drivers should:
- Watch for children crossing the street and on medians.
- Drive slowly.
- Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
Additionally, any suspicious person or vehicle should immediately be reported to the Concord Police Department by calling 978-318-3400.
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