SAUGUS — As Halloween approaches, Chief Domenic DiMella and the Saugus Police Department are offering safety tips to the community.
Halloween, celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. While there are no designated trick-or-treat hours or curfew in town, public officials advise that children should be home by dark and never trick-or-treat alone.
Police are also reminding residents to use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, which is from Oct. 28-30.
“Parents, please never let your child trick-or-treat alone,” said DiMella in a statement. “For those with teenagers or kids driving, we encourage all parents to make a game plan and set a curfew. In addition, please monitor all costumes to ensure they are not harmful to the wearer or anyone around them.”
Saugus Police recommend that residents follow safety tips outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, which ask that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto.
- Swords and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
- Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
- Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.
- Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.
- Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
- Lower your risk of eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
- 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.
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
- Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.
- Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
- Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
