Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween From BPD

The following is an announcement from the Bedford Police Department regarding trick-or-treating Wednesday night:

It is that time of year again where many people both young and old put on their best costumes and head out to celebrate Halloween.  To ensure that this Halloween is a day and evening of fun-filled joy, The Bedford Police Department would like to offer residents a few tips on how to celebrate safely. 

For Trick-or-Treaters and Parents:

• Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk, see and be seen.
• An adult should always accompany smaller children. It’s best to take them out earlier in the evening.
• Carry a flashlight and make sure that some sort of reflective material or the popular glow light stick are incorporated into all costumes.
• Establish ground rules with children that are too old to be accompanied by an adult. Such rules could include: what neighborhoods to go to, staying in a group, what time they must come home, and appropriate behavior while trick-or-treating.
• Have them bring a cell phone in case of emergencies.
• Always use sidewalks when available.  If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• Never dart out between parked cars.  Always cross at the corners or at crosswalks.
• An outside light on at the front of the house is usually a sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome.  Avoid going to houses that are not lit.  Never enter any home unless it’s a family member or a friend.
• Allow an adult to inspect all treats prior to eating them. Throw out any treats that appear tampered with. Do not allow homemade treats to be eaten unless you are sure of the source.

Halloween Drivers

• Be aware that there are many young children out for the evening, especially during the peak hours of 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Drive Slowly!
• Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.
• Do not drive a vehicle while wearing any sort of mask.  Your visibility could be obscured.
• Obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Have a designated driver if attending an adult Halloween party where alcohol is served.

“Halloween can be an exciting and fun-filled celebration. It can also, however, present special risks and challenges to child safety”, said Chief Robert Bongiorno of the Bedford Police Department.

Chief Bongiorno urges parents and trick-or-treaters to exercise special care this Halloween holiday, “using good judgment and common sense is the most important tip for the evening.”