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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Tuesday, October 31, 2007

Hartford Police Department Halloween Safety Tips
 

(Hartford) - The Hartford Police Department encourages safety and supervision during the annual Trick-or-Treat season. "It is especially important for parents to adhere to a few safety rules for their children when they are trick-or-treating," stated Hartford Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts.  "Your Police Department recommends you follow the suggestions below to ensure you and your loved ones have a joyous Halloween and that everyone returns home safely."

• Know your treaters' route
• Take a flashlight
• Be sure costumes, shoes, and treat bags are safe.
• Remind kids not to enter strangers' homes or cars.
• Set rules about not eating treats until kids get home. Be sure to inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
• Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely.
• Remember drivers have a hard time seeing people, especially at dusk.
• Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they can catch costumes and long wigs on fire.
• Make sure that fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or worse, have them mistaken for the real thing!

It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters. As adults there are some very simple things we can do to make the evening safe everyone.

• Turn on your porch light.
• Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
• Drive slowly all evening-you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.

For adults who are celebrating there are some things to consider when creating that "perfect" Halloween Costume.

• Make sure that any accessories, such as fake guns, knifes, and other potentially dangerous items are not mistaken for the real thing.
• Fire safety and visibility are also important for adult costumes. Apply the same standards to adult costumes as you do to your children's.
• Remember adults that are dressed up can be pretty scary to young children.

Again, have a safe and fun Halloween!
Chief Daryl K. Roberts

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Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 757-4021
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