Chief Patrick Keefe and the Andover Police Department are reminding families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating this year.
"Halloween is always a fun evening, and we're looking forward to seeing families out enjoying themselves," Chief Keefe said. "I hope that everyone will take a moment to review these tips, which are easy to follow and will help ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time trick-or-treating."
Oct. 31 falls on a Tuesday this year and Andover Police will work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Trick-or-treating hours are from 5-7 p.m.
Children should:
• Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups
• Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them
• 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
• Walk and don’t run from house to house
• Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes
• Never accept rides from strangers
Parents and guardians should:
• Supervise their children
• 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
• If driving children between houses and neighborhoods, have them get out of cars on the curbside, not on the traffic side.
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 Andover Police at 978-475-0411 or by dialing 911.