For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

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

Bedford Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

BEDFORD — Halloween is less than two weeks away, and Chief Robert Bongiorno and the Bedford Police Department wish to remind families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating this year.

“Halloween is fun for all of us, and we look forward to seeing everyone out in costume and enjoying the evening,” Chief Bongiorno said, “We hope that everyone will adhere to these simple tips, which will help ensure that everyone has a fun and safe evening.”

Oct. 31 falls on a Tuesday this year and Bedford Police will work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

There are no designated trick-or-treating hours in Bedford, but police recommend residents conclude festivities by 9 p.m. The Bedford Police also remind residents to use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, Oct. 27-29.

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 the Bedford Police at 781-275-1212 or by dialing 911.

###