FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

MELROSE — With Halloween less than a week away, Chief Michael L. Lyle and the Melrose Police Department would like to remind residents to be safe while trick-or-treating around their neighborhoods.

Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Monday this year.

“This is always a fun holiday for families and we certainly want everyone to have a good time trick-or-treating,” Chief Lyle said. “We ask that children remember to wear protective and reflective clothing and to keep an eye out for cars as they make their way up and down streets.”

The Melrose Police Department recommend that residents follow safety tips outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, which ask that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto:

• Swords and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.
• Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.
• Always test make up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Lower your risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
• Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

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