Townsend Police Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015

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

Townsend Police Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

TOWNSEND — As Halloween draws closer, Interim Chief Robert DeMoura and the Townsend 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. Townsend’s official trick-or-treating hours will be from 6-8 p.m.

“We want the entire community to be able to enjoy their Halloween this year,” Interim Chief DeMoura said. “Please observe the rules and safety tips provided to ensure a safe and happy Halloween for all.”

The Townsend Police Department is reminding residents of the following:

• Trick or treat in your own neighborhoods
• Children and accompanying adults should wear light colored or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or some other alternative lighting
• Motorists and pedestrians should use EXTREME CAUTION in areas where street lighting is poor or in case of inclement weather
• Children should be allowed to only consume products that are in original wrapping from the manufacturer and checked by the parents before consuming.
• Parents should make certain that all costumes are nonflammable and provide adequate ventilation and visibility.
• Parents should know where their children are and what they are doing
• Trick-or-treaters should be accompanied by an adult
• Report any suspicious activity or behavior to local police immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control provides additional safety tips for Halloween trick-or-treaters:

• Costumes with swords, knives and other accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• 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.
• 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.

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 Townsend Police Department at 978-597-2242.

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