******This is to remind all of our residents that “Trick-or-Treat” has been cancelled by the Township for Thursday, October 31st, 2019.  It has been re-scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2019, due to inclement weather.******

Halloween Safety Tips

DRIVERS

  • Don’t Text and Drive!

  • Motorists should drive with extra caution and be aware of large amounts of pedestrian traffic. Please stay alert at all times for children who may run out in front of your vehicle unexpectedly.
  • If you are transporting trick-or-treaters, remember that seat belt laws are not a burden, but a proven lifesaving measure.  Please make sure everyone is buckled up!
  • If you attend a Halloween party where alcoholic beverages are served, make sure you have a designated driver for the drive home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time. With children potentially running from house to house, driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can have a deadly result.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS

  • Consider using makeup rather than masks. Masks may obstruct a child’s vision making it difficult for them to see oncoming vehicles, especially when crossing the street.
  • Wear light-colored or bright clothing or add pieces of reflective tape to darker costumes. Ensure the costume fits properly to avoid tripping.
  • Check the weather and have appropriate dress under costumes in the event of cold temperatures.
  • Always carry a flashlight with you when trick-or-treating at night to help you see and to help others see you. In addition, you could attach small battery-operated strobe lights to your costume.
  • Be sure to use flame resistant costumes.
  • Never walk near lit candles or luminaries.
  • Make sure you walk from house to house, not run.
  • Stay on well-lit streets.
  • Only walk on sidewalks and if that’s not possible, walk along the far edge of the road facing traffic.
  • Make sure you look both ways before crossing the street and use designated cross walks.
  • An adult should always accompany small children when they are trick-or-treating. Older children should travel in groups for safety.
  • Trick-or-treaters should only approach familiar houses that have outside lights on.
  • Never enter a stranger’s vehicle or house.
  • The safest time to trick-or-treat is during the daylight hours.

TREATS

  • All opened candy should be thrown out. Make your own children wait until they return home and you have the opportunity to examine their treats (candy) before they consume it.

Parents/Guardians, for added safety, utilizing your cell phone, snap a picture of your children in their costumes just before they head out. This will allow you to access a current photo if you happen to get separated from them. For older children, track or use cell phones for up-to-the minute location updates.

Have a safe Halloween,

Chief Michael C. DiBella