Cops Offer Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

The Scotch Plains Police Department wants local children and families to be extra careful when out trick-or-treating on Halloween eve.

Chief Brian Mahoney has generated general guidelines for when it's safest for families to be out and about on Saturday.

While there is no township ordinance that limits when residents can be out, the police department is recommending that children trick or treat between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m.

"We're not going to enforce it, but people can read it and say 'that's a good idea,'" Lt. Brian Donnelly said.

Mahoney stated in his guidelines that 3 to 7 p.m. is when the most officers will be out on duty. The time also allows children several hours of trick-or-treating before it gets to dark. 

"Simple common sense can do a lot to stop tragedies from happening and to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day trick-or-treating," Mahoney said in a release.

The police department has also issued these tips for staying safe on Halloween:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children;
• Plan and review with your older children the route they are taking and agree on a specific time they must return home;
• Trick or treat in neighborhoods known to your family;
• Stay in a group;
• 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. Use established crosswalks;
• Use a flashlight so that you can see and be seen by others;
• Wear a brightly colored or reflective costume and remove all masks that limit eyesight before crossing a street or driveway;
• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered;
• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home. 

Mahoney also reminds all drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.