Halloween Safety Tips

From the Middletown Police Department
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With Halloween approaching us this Sunday, the Middletown Police Department would like to ensure that it is enjoyable and safe for everyone in our community. Our patrol officers will be in our neighborhoods doing their best to make sure that this is accomplished but they will need the community’s help. While trick-or-treating could be hazardous due to a large volume of pedestrians in our roadways during the darkness, it does not have to be if both motorists and pedestrians be cautious. We would like to pass along the following safety tips for Halloween:

• We urge drivers to pay special attention during the evening hours for trick-or-treaters and take your time when traveling our city streets. Be careful entering and exiting driveways.
• Children should wear reflective tape on their costumes or bags or provide them with glow sticks or a flashlight so that they can be more easily seen by motorists.
• Costumes should not impair the child’s vision.
• Realistic replica firearms should never be used as a prop to a costume.
• We recommend that a responsible adult accompany young children throughout our neighborhoods.
•  If a responsible adult is not available to accompany them, we recommend that you know your child’s route and that they trick-or-treat in a group.
• Children should walk, not run, throughout our neighborhoods and pay special attention when crossing streets during trick-or-treating.
• Children should remain on the side of our streets or sidewalks (when available).
• We recommend that children never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• If you intend to pass out candy, please ensure that your home is well lit.
• Inspect your child’s candy prior to them eating it and discard any unwrapped candy or any that just does not look right.

As always, report anything suspicious to the Middletown Police Department. If it is an emergency, dial 911. If it is not an emergency, our routine line is 860-347-2541.