Chief’s Column: How to stay safe on Halloween night

Halloween, is one of the most exciting nights of the year, especially for young children. It is also an important time to be extra careful for potential safety hazards. This year, everyone has to take extra precautions because of COVID-19 and the associated risks. For those who still plan on Trick-or-Treating and homeowners who will still be handing out treats on Halloween, the Grafton Police Department would once again like to offer the following safety tips:

PARENTS

• Keep your child/children home if they do not feel well.
• Always escort your children and carry a flashlight.
• Bring along hand sanitizer and use frequently after touching anything.
• Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or treating.
• Set a specific time for your child/children to be out. We normally recommend trick-or-treat times between 5:00 to 8:00 pm however, due to the EEE and WNV threat, you should consider completing any activities before dusk. If out later, be sure to take the proper precautions.
• Always know who is trick-or-treating with your children.
• Walk on the sidewalks and not in the middle of the street.
• Instruct you children NEVER to enter any homes.
• Stay in well lighted areas.
• Wash hands thoroughly and inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.
• Make sure your children’s costumes includes a mask that covers the nose and mouth and is effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19.
• Choose fireproof comfortable costumes made of light-colored material and consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes so they may be easily seen in the dark.
• Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.
• Teach children their home and/or parents cell phone number in case they get lost.
• Kids will be kids. Explain to kids of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism. Smashing pumpkins or throwing eggs at a house may seem funny but they need to know the other side of the coin as well, that clean up and damages can ruin Halloween for everyone. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they’ve made.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS

• Do not trick-or-treat by yourself and maintain 6 feet physical distance from anyone not in your household.
• Avoid large groups or clustering at doorsteps.
• If props are carried, they should be made of soft rubber, Styrofoam or other pliable material.
• Do not take short cuts, especially through dark alleys or back yards.
• Be sure to look both ways before crossing the street.
• Don’t run! Walk to your intended destination and don’t dart in and out of cars or driveways. If there are no sidewalks, stay as close to the edge of the roadway as you can.
• Walk in the direction facing traffic.
• Only trick-or-treat at homes that have a light on.
• Never approach someone in a car offering candy.
• Wait until you get home and wash your hands thoroughly before eating any treats.

HOMEOWNERS

• Turn on your porch light so children know its all right to visit your home.
• Consider lining up pre-packaged treat bags for families to take outside while maintaining social distancing such as at the end of the driveway or yard and hand out only commercially wrapped candy.
• If you are placing a Jack-O-Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick or battery-operated candle inside instead of a candle.
• Never invite children into your home.
• Keep pets away from children.
• Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstructions.
• If using candles, keep them away from the path of children.
• Immediately notify the Grafton Police Department of any suspicious activity.

MOTORIST

• Drive slowly and cautiously.
• Look for children walking on the street, running and darting in between parked vehicles.
• Be extra careful when entering and exiting driveways.
• Avoid using your cell phone while driving because it will cause a distraction.
• Turn down your car radio so you can listen for potential children crossing your path.
• Never drink and drive.