The Medway Police Department Shares Tips for Trick-or-Treating (recommended hours 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on October 31st)

Chief William Kingsbury and the Medway 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 Monday this year. The recommended trick-or-treating hours for Medway will be from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

The Medway 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 Kingsbury 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 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 their heads up, and walk, don’t run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.

Driving Safety

Chief Kingsbury 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.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!