Rick Smith, Chief of Police
1 Union St.
Wakefield, MA 01880
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Wakefield Police Provide Halloween Safety Tips
WAKEFIELD – As Halloween quickly approaches, Chief Richard E. Smith and the Wakefield Police Department want to remind families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating this year.
“On behalf of the entire Wakefield Police Department, we want to make sure our residents have a safe and happy Halloween,” Chief Smith said. “We ask that trick-or-treaters and their families follow these safety guidelines to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable night.”
Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Tuesday this year.
Children should:
- Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups
- Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant
- Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street
- Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily
- Practice safe street-crossing by using crosswalks and walk signals
- Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes
Parents and guardians should:
- Supervise children under 12 years old
- Establish a designated curfew for older children
- Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground
- Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags
- Assure costume accessories such as swords and other pointed objects are made with soft and safe materials
Homeowners should:
- Keep inside and outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours
- Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire
- Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped
- Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children
Additionally, any suspicious person or vehicle should immediately be reported to the Wakefield Police Department by calling 781-245-1212.
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