The Springfield Police Department urges everyone to be extra-cautious on Halloween so that residents and trick-or-treaters can celebrate safely.
Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers stated, “There will be thousands of kids on our streets as it gets dark out and we need parents to stress to their children that they should never run out into the street and never assume a driver sees you. I’m also stressing to our drivers to put your phones down and pay attention as pedestrian traffic will be high on Friday night. We will have our officers when they are stationary, parked with their blue lights on to make you aware of their presence and hopefully get drivers to be aware of their surroundings. If you are trick-or-treating, please be highly visible and do not carry any realistic looking toy guns, as that can cause alarm. We want you to have a fun, safe and memorable Halloween.”
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 and officers for their special and successful Trunk or Treating events, we had another great turn out this past weekend with my brother and sister Elks at the Elks Lodge along with Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s crew, Springfield Together, and many partner organizations too. These are wonderful events for our children and their families. Police Superintendent Larry Akers and I want to remind everyone to drive safe, be mindful for pedestrians and vehicle traffic 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.
- Use AirTags or something similar in young children’s candy bags to assist if a child gets lost
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.
