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."
Time: 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.
Parking: 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.
A
Message from the Ashby Police Department
