News from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office
Contact: Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano  / 908.231.7140 / provenzano@co.somerset.nj.us

October 15, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Halloween is Saturday, Oct. 31, and it will be a fun day for children and adults. The variety of costumes and spooky home decorations makes for an exciting time, but it's not the ghosts and skeletons you should be worried about.

“Parents should prepare and review safety plans with their children,” Somerset County Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano advised. “Go over simple information such as their phone number and home address in case of an emergency, plus what to do if a stranger approaches them. Also, impaired driving is known to occur more frequently over the weekend, so please stay alert while crossing the streets.”

Sheriff Provenzano is asking parents, children and motorists to follow a few Halloween safety tips:

PARENTS:

• Know the route your children will be taking if you aren't going with them.
• Make sure you set a time for them to be home.
• Have your children eat a good dinner before going out.
• Make sure your children are properly supervised while out.
• Make sure they trick or treat in a group if you are not with them.
• Children 12 years and younger should be accompanied by an adult.
• Tell your children to never go into a stranger's house.
• Tell your children to stay out of the street while walking.
• Choose a costume that is brightly colored and easy to see in the dark.
• Carefully inspect all food and candy before letting your child eat it (when in doubt, throw it out).

CHILDREN: 

• Carry a flashlight and always keep a safe distance from moving cars. 
• Cross at street corners, NOT diagonally across an intersection and NEVER between parked cars! 
• Look in ALL directions before crossing; obey all traffic signals; walk and NEVER run. 
• Wear a glow-stick necklace and wear glow-stick bracelets – these glow sticks have saved lives. 
• Do not take shortcuts through back yards, alleys or parks.  Only visit homes with porch lights on. 
• Don’t go inside anyone’s home; instead, remain on the porch at all times. 
• Don’t accept rides from cars with strangers. 
• Don’t eat any treats until your parents have inspected them. 
• Discard any homemade or unwrapped treats. 

MOTORISTS: 

• Halloween is one of the nation’s most dangerous nights to drive a car.  Use extreme caution. 
• Consider driving at least five miles per hour under the speed limit in residential areas. 
• Accept that you will be late to your destination; call them, excuse yourself and drive extra slow. 

If you have any further questions about trick-or-treating, contact your local police department. In case of emergency, dial 911.
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