Halloween Safety Tips from the Holmdel Police Dept.

The Holmdel Police Department would like to make everyone aware that the curfew for Halloween weekend is dusk on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  The Police Department has attached some tips to make everyone’s Halloween a happy and safe day.   

Halloween Safety Tips

Before Halloween

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.  Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.
• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords.  If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.  Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.
• Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
• Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway.  Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

When “Trick-Or-Treating”

• A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

Remind Trick-or-Treaters:

• By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
• Stay in a group, walk slowly, and communicate where you are going.
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
• Always walk.  Never run across a street.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
• Don’t assume the right of way.  Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.  Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.