Chief John Dunn and the Hull Police Department would like to share guidance and safety tips as Halloween approaches to help residents and trick-or-treaters celebrate safely this season.

Halloween, which is celebrated yearly on Oct. 31, falls on a Sunday this year. The official trick-or-treating hours for Hull will be from 4-8 p.m.

The Hull Police Department encourages families to make the most of Halloween with their children but asks that parents and guardians remain mindful of their child’s safety when choosing costumes, and trick-or-treating.

Costume Safety

Picking a great costume is an exciting part of Halloween preparation, and Chief Dunn encourages parents/guardians to consider these tips while choosing a costume:

•  All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Any props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision
  or movement.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Wear sturdy shoes and temperature-appropriate clothing under costumes.
• If children will be allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them a flashlight or glow sticks to ensure they are visible to drivers.
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it on a small area of skin first.
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help prevent such a tragedy, parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to consider these tips before heading out:

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
• If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow. 
• Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends. Carry a flashlight with you to ensure that you are visible when walking from house to house.
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home. Avoid eating any homemade treats given to you by strangers.
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Driving Safety

Chief Dunn would also like to offer safety tips for those who plan to be on the road during trick-or-treating hours:

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

Families participating in trick-or-treating should be mindful of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and take the appropriate precautions this year as they head out to enjoy the sweet and spooky fun that Halloween has to offer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges families to incorporate a cloth mask into their costumes, and those who are handing out candy to avoid using a shared bowl, and instead use small, individual bags for each trick-or-treater. 

Anyone who feels unwell, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or who has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay at home and refrain from Halloween activities. 

Those who do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating are asked to shut off their outdoor lights as an indicator. Those who do not want to participate in trick-or-treating can instead consider these alternatives:

• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them, or at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends.
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.

The Hull Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

 

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