POTTSTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

POTTSTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

The official 2004 Trick-or-Treat times for the Borough of Pottstown are 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday October 31, 2004.

Halloween is an exciting and fun-filled time of year for children of all ages. Unfortunately, Halloween activities also results in several tragedies every year.

In an effort to help keep our children safe this Halloween, the Pottstown Police Department offers the following safety tips for all.

ADULTS:

Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights, and any other outside lights, on.

Immediately report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police department (Pottstown Police Department: 610-323-1212 or Dial 911 if the situation is an emergency).

Do Not give homemade or unwrapped treats to children.

MOTORISTS:

Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle.

Be alert to trick-or-treaters whose vision and hearing may be obscured by costumes and masks.

Be alert to trick-or-treaters who may dart out into the street.

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD TELL THEIR CHILDREN:

Never trick-or-treat alone. It is best to have a trusted adult to accompany children the entire time they are engaged in trick-or-treat activities. An adult should ALWAYS accompany younger children on Halloween Night.

Carry a flashlight so that motorists can see you and so that you can see hazards in your path as well as other people.

If your children trick-or-treat without you present, designate a time limit for your children's trick-or-treat activities. Together, designate a specific route for them to take.

Cross only a street corners, never between parked cars.

Look in all directions before crossing the street and obey all traffic signals. Walk, avoid running, when you cross the street. Use sidewalks, not the street, for walking.

Do not take short cuts through backyards, alleys, empty lots, or parks. Walk in well lighted areas only.

Never talk to, or accept rides from strangers.

Only approach homes that have front porch lights on. Preferably, only approach homes where the trick-or-treaters are familiar with the occupants.

Keep away from open fires and candles.

Be cautious of animals and strangers.

Do not eat treats until your parents have inspected them.

Discard any homemade or unwrapped treats. Call the police department if you suspect tainted candy (Pottstown Police Department: 610-323-1212) - Keep the candy and it's wrapper.

COSTUMES, ETC.:

Make sure that any Halloween costume that is worn is non-flammable.

Do not permit your children to wear cumbersome, floor length, or vision impairing costumes.

Light colored, or reflective type clothing makes trick-or-treaters more visible to motorists.

Consider attaching, to your child's costume, chemical light sticks so that motorists can see them.

Instead of a mask, which could impair your child's vision, consider using makeup or face paint.

Have your children wear safe and comfortable shoes.

Tie, or pin, hats & scarves to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.

Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of a soft, flexible material.

This list of safety tips, provided by the Pottstown Police Department, obviously does not cover all possible situations that your children may encounter while trick-or-treating. Should you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact us.

HAVE A FUN & SAFE HALLOWEEN

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