For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 20, 2017

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

Georgetown Police and Fire Departments Offer Halloween Safety Tips

GEORGETOWN — As Halloween nears, Police Chief Donald C. Cudmore, Fire Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr., and the Georgetown Police and Fire Departments are reminding the community of several important safety tips as families get ready to take their children trick-or-treating this year.

“We are all looking forward to celebrating Halloween this year, but safety is and always will be our top priority,” Chief Cudmore said. “We ask residents review these common sense tips provided and encourage them to call us immediately if they see anything that looks suspicious or out of place.”

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Tuesday this year, and trick-or-treating hours will be from 5-7 p.m.

“Halloween is always a fun night for the entire community,” Chief Mitchell said. “However, it’s important to celebrate responsibly, especially when it comes to using fire to light pumpkins or other decorations.”

Children should:

• Only approach well-lit houses in familiar neighborhoods 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
• 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
• 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 the Georgetown Police Department by calling 978-352-5700 or by calling 911.

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