Salem Announces Halloween Details, Offers Safety Tips

SALEM, NH — The Town of Salem has revealed details about Halloween activities, while also offering safety tips for trick-or-treaters and motorists for that night.

Trick-or-treating will be held in Salem from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. Town officials have suggested that parents accompany children under the age of 12.

The town encourages children to obey traffic signals, look both ways while crossing and cross at street corners. Parents are asked to instruct their children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them, according to town officials.

"Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings," the town said in a statement. "Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars."

Town officials also said there are ways to incorporate safety into Halloween costumes. This can be done by decorating costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choosing light colors.

Face paint also is preferred to masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.

Officials also suggest that kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

As for those drivers, town officials suggest they use extra caution on Halloween.

Drivers should slow down and be especially alert while in residential neighborhoods. They also should remember that trick-or-treaters can behave in unpredictable ways, according to town officials.

Additionally, drivers are advised to take extra time looking for kids at intersections, medians and curbs, and they should enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

Town officials also advise drivers to avoid distractions, especially phones, and to concentrate on the road. Headlights should be turned on earlier in the day on Halloween in order to spot children from greater distances, according to town officials.

More information about Halloween safety is available on the Town of Salem website.