For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 14, 2016

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

Georgetown Fire Department Provides Halloween Safety Tips

GEORGETOWN — Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents of the following safety tips as Halloween approaches.

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. Trick-or-treat hours in Georgetown are from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Georgetown community should also use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, Oct. 28-30.

“Georgetown is a wonderful residential community for trick-or-treating, and the department is committed to insuring everyone’s safety as they walk around town,” Chief Mitchell said. “Drivers, please be extra aware of those out and about on Halloween night. Drive slow, keep your lights on, and yield to all pedestrians.”

The Georgetown Fire Department recommends 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 makeup 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.

• 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.

Any parents or residents with questions on Halloween safety should contact the Georgetown Fire Department at (978) 352-5757.

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