Port Washington Police Chief Offers Halloween Safety Tips

PORT WASHINGTON, NY – Port Washington Police are offering tips for families to participate safely in Halloween activities this year.

While this year's Halloween will look different from every other year, some families may be looking to give their kids a sense of normalcy while others may be looking for alternatives to trick-or-treating.

Police Chief Robert Del Muro offered tips to those who plan to go out on Halloween:

• Masked costumes are in this year – just be sure your vision is not obstructed in any way.
• Washable or disposable gloves can be worn, or carry/use hand sanitizer between houses.
• Wear a costume you can walk in – comfortable footwear and nothing that drags on the ground.
• Work one side of the street at a time, crossing only at corners and sidewalks. Stay out of the roadway!
• Visit fewer homes than usual, sticking to those you know.
• Avoid going out in large groups – stick to immediate family.
• If driving trick-or-treaters around, don't forget to use appropriate car seats and have children enter and exit from the passenger side.
• Only accept candy that is totally wrapped and sealed and take COVID precautions at home before consuming it.

To keep kids safer from both traffic and COVID-19:

• Let kids dress up as usual, but hold a scavenger hunt for treats in your home or yard.
• Host and outdoor movie night featuring favorite scary Halloween movies.
• Host a Halloween Zoom party.
• Decorate your house as you normally would.