For Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 26, 2016

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

Chelmsford Police Department Offers Halloween Safety Tips

CHELMSFORD — With Halloween soon approaching, Chief James Spinney and the Chelmsford Police Department would like to remind the community to be safe during fall festivities, especially for those who will be attending evening events or plan on trick-or-treating.

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year. The official trick-or-treating hours for Chelmsford are 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Police also remind residents to use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, Oct. 28-30.

“Halloween is a fun time of year, however, we want to remind residents that being safe should still be of the utmost priority,” Chief Spinney said. “Parents and children should be aware of their surroundings at all times when trick-or-treating, and don’t eat any candy that is not properly wrapped.”

The Chelmsford Police 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 make up 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 Chelmsford Police Department at (978) 256-2521.

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