“We need all drivers and trick-or-treaters to be extra cautious on Halloween. It gets dark earlier so please take your time and drive defensively. Children should never run out into the street and never assume a driver sees you. When you get home please check your child’s candy wrappers. If they are opened or tampered with discard them. If there is anything that is obviously tampered with contact the police. There are many family-friendly events across the city this weekend that our police department is taking part in. We hope to see you there and we hope you have a fun and safe Halloween weekend,” said Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “I want to thank our brave and dedicate men and women of the Springfield Police Department for their continued efforts keeping our business community and residents safe, especially our children, during this holiday season. Special shout out to our C3 Units for their special and successful Trunk or Treating events, which I will be attending the one this Sunday with my brother and sister Elks at the Elks Lodge along with Springfield Together and team. These are wonderful events for our children and their families. Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood and I want to remind everyone to drive safe and be extra cautious. On behalf of the city of Springfield and the Springfield Police Department we want everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween.”
Trick-or-Treat Safety
According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help prevent such a tragedy, parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to consider these tips before heading out:
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
- If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow.
- Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.
- Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car.
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
- Parents should go through all candy and treats before allowing their children to eat it.
- Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Driving Safety
Those who plan to be on the road during trick-or-treating hours are encouraged to review the following safety tips:
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
Costume Safety
- Please leave any toy guns especially realistic looking toy guns at home.
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
- Any props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision
or movement. - Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costume.
- If children will be allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them a flashlight or glow sticks to ensure they are visible to drivers.
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it on a small area of skin first and remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Halloween Events in Springfield:
Saturday October 29th
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Springfield Museums – 21 Edwards Street
An Out of this World Halloween – Free with museum admission
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Zoo in Forest Park
Spooky Safari – Paid Event, Pre-Registration Required
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Forest Park Civic Association – Garfield Street Triangle
Neighborhood Halloween Party
Sunday October 30th
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The United Way of Pioneer Valley
Boo Bash – Tower Square Park next to the TD Bank Building
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Springfield Together
Halloween Trunk or Treat Drive-Thru – Elks Lodge, 440 Tiffany Street
Monday October 31st
3:00 p.m – 5:00 p.m. – Baystate General Pediatrics
Trunk of Treat on Halloween! – 140 High Street
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Dunbar Community Center – 33 Oak Street
Trunk or Treat
7:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m. – Boys & Girls Club – 100 Acorn Street
Haunted Halloween Event
