Community Corner
Halloween Tips for Cranford Trick-or-Treaters
The police department offers these tips for parents and children.
Cranford Police will be out in force on Halloween to make sure Trick-or-Treaters are safe. Here is some information from Chief Eric Mason and the Cranford Police Department to ensure a safe and Happy Halloween.
Parents
Always escort your children and carry a flashlight after dark.
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Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or-treating.
Set a specific time for your child/children to be out.
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Always know who is trick-or-treating with your children.
Walk on the sidewalks and not in the middle of the street.
Instruct your children NEVER to enter any homes.
Stay in well-lighted areas.
Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.
Choose fireproof comfortable costumes made of light colored material so they can be easily seen in the dark.
Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes.
Have children avoid wearing eye makeup or masks, which will restrict their vision.
Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords, or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.
Give out only commercially wrapped candy.
Teach children their home and/or parent’s cellular phone number in case they get lost.
Trick-or-Treaters
Do not trick-or-treat by yourself.
If props are carried, they should be made of soft rubber, Styrofoam, or other pliable material.
Obey all traffic signals and look in all directions when 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 far left of the roadway as possible.
Walk in the direction facing traffic.
Only trick-or-treat at homes with their porch light on. Never approach a car offering candy.
Wait until you get home before eating any treats.
Homeowners
Turn on your porch light so children know it is all right to visit your home.
If you are placing a Jack-O-Lantern on your porch, place a glow stick inside instead of a candle.
Hand out only commercially wrapped candy.
Never invite children into your home.
Maintain clear walkways that are free from obstruction.
If using candles, keep them away from the path of children.
Immediately notify law enforcement of any suspicious activity.
Motorists
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.
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