For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 20, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Ashby Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

ASHBY — With Halloween just over a week away, Chief Fred Alden and the Ashby Police Department are reminding families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating this year.

“We want all of our residents to enjoy Halloween this year,” Chief Alden said, “We strongly advise that everyone review these safety tips and make note of parking restrictions in town on Halloween night.” 

Oct. 31 falls on a Tuesday this year and Ashby Police will work to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Trick-or-treating hours in Ashby are 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Ashby Police ask that people coming to the center of town avoid parking on the street, and remind residents that parking is prohibited on Main Street from the elementary school to County Road.

Children should:

• Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups
• Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant
• Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street
• Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily
• Practice safe street-crossing by using crosswalks and walk signals
• Walk and don’t run from house to house
• Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes
• Never accept rides from strangers

Parents and guardians should:

• Supervise their children
• Establish a designated curfew for older children
• Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground
• Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags
• Assure costume accessories such as swords and other pointed objects are made with soft and safe materials
• If driving children between houses and neighborhoods, have them get out of cars on the curbside, not on the traffic side.

Homeowners should:

• Keep inside and outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours
• Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire
• Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped
• Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children

Additionally, any suspicious person or vehicle should immediately be reported to the Ashby Police at 978-386-5652 or by dialing 911.

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