Halloween Safety Tips from Hightstown and Cranbury PDs

It is hard to believe that Halloween is just around the corner, and while the threat of Hurricane Sandy may rain on your kids’ parades, now is still a good time to discuss safe practices with your children.

Hightstown Borough Police Director James Le Tellier and Cranbury Township Chief of Police Rickey Varga offer some tips for a fun and safe Halloween:

HALLOWEEN TIPS FOR KIDS AND TEENS

• Start and end early. Take advantage of as much daylight as possible.

• Make sure you are visible. Wear reflective outerwear, stay in well-lit areas on sidewalks, avoid walking in the street, and cross in crosswalks when available. Wear glow sticks or carry a light. 
  • In Cranbury, Officers and Community Emergency Response Members will be handing out orange flashing Halloween button/lights to children and parents. The program is sponsored by the Cranbury Fraternal Order of Police and has been an essential part of Halloween safety here in Cranbury.

• Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods. Stay in familiar surroundings and amongst people you know. If you don’t know the people’s homes you are trick or treating at, have a parent or responsible adult with you.

• Stay in Groups. There is always safety in numbers.

• Be careful when you cross the street.  Look both directions and make sure no cars are coming.

• Stay Outdoors. Never enter someone’s home.

• Adult Supervision & Communication. Have a parent or an adult accompany the group. Also, have an effective means of emergency communication, such as a cell phone. 

• Never consume opened candy or unpackaged items.

• Report any suspicious behavior immediately. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or suggests something inappropriate, report it to the police.

• Fuel up. If you are able to drive and are taking a group of people with you, make sure you have enough fuel to get there.  You don’t want to run out of fuel on a dark street.

• If your parents give you a curfew, be home when they say.  If you are going to be late, make sure you call and tell them.

• Vandalism is never cool!  Throwing eggs at cars and houses is destructive and dangerous, and it is illegal.

• Hurting animals is never acceptable.  Some people think that Halloween is an excuse for such, but it is just wrong and illegal.

HALLOWEEN TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Discuss food issues your child may have with the teacher and school nurse ahead of time.

• Even if you take your child to a safe Halloween sponsored event, watch your child carefully. Keep in mind these places are still full of strangers, although it may seem like a safe environment.

• It’s best to accompany your child if you allow them to trick or treat.

• Discard any treat that is not packaged properly or the packaged material is compromised.

• It is a bad idea, especially in the dark, to go to strangers homes.

HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY

• As much as your pet may want some candy, it is dangerous to give it to them and may harm them, especially chocolate.

• If you own black cats, this time of year can be dangerous for them. Keep your pets secure in your residence or yard.

• The wrappers, such as tin foil, can get stuck in your pets’ digestive tract. Keep candy in areas away from areas your pet may be able to reach.

• Watch lit candles or Jack-o-lanterns in areas where your pets may travel. Tails of animals have been known to knock these items over and cause fires.

• If you plan to dress your pet, be receptive that the costume may cause discomfort to your pet.

• Don’t use masks on your pets it obstructs their vision and may alter their senses making your pet at risk and any one that may wish to show your pet love.

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