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.