For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 18, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net

Boxborough Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

BOXBOROUGH — Chief Warren Ryder and the Boxborough Police Department wish to share safety tips for families this Halloween season.

Suggested trick-or-treating hours in Boxborough are 5-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.

“Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages, but there are several hazards that come along with the festivities and we want everyone to stay safe,” Chief Ryder said. “This means that parents need to keep a close eye on their children while they’re trick-or-treating, and should carefully inspect any candy children bring home. Additionally, everyone needs to take care to make sure their costumes won’t cause injury– this means making sure everything fits correctly, masks don’t impair vision and so on.”

Oct. 31 falls on a Thursday this year and Boxborough Police will work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

The Boxborough Police Department wishes to share the following Halloween safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Make sure any costume swords, knives and other accessories are soft, flexible and short to prevent injury.
• Children should never trick-or-treat alone. Instead, it is recommended children trick-or-treat in groups and/or with an adult.
• Place reflective tape on costumes and bags to ensure motorists can see you while driving at night.
• Parents and guardians need to closely inspect all candy and treats children bring home to make sure they have not been tampered with and are not a chocking hazard.
• Do not eat homemade candy or treats made by someone you do not know. Only eat factory-wrapped candies and treats.
• It’s recommended parents and guardians limit the amount of candy children eat in a single sitting.
• Those going trick-or-treating are encouraged to bring a flashlight.
• Children should walk from house to house, not run.
• Those wearing costumes that involve make-up should test the product on a small area of skin before applying it more heavily. Make-up should be removed prior to bedtime to ward off skin and eye irritation.
• Children and adults alike should look both ways before crossing the street and use crosswalks when able. People should use sidewalks when they can, and stay to the far edge of the road in areas where there is no sidewalk.
• The CDC recommends people reduce the risk of injury posed by wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Make sure all masks, costumes and shoes fit properly to prevent impaired vision, trips and falls.
• Children should only visit houses that are well lit.
• Do not accept a ride from a stranger.
• Make sure costumes are flame-resistant, and do not walk near candles or luminaries.

For more safety tips and recommendations, click here.

###