The following information is from the Cherry Hill Police Department’s guidelines for Halloween trick-or-treating.
The Chief of Police recommends the hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. be used as a guideline for trick-or-treat hours on Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31, this year, as they have been in the past.
A 7 p.m. suggested curfew will be in effect for all children under 18 not accompanied by an adult on Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Additional police in marked and unmarked cars will be patrolling local streets on both evenings, along with fire and emergency personnel and Neighborhood Watch groups.
The public should keep the following in mind for a safe Halloween:
- Keep exterior lights on throughout the night.
- Keep pets inside.
- Make sure cars are locked and/or in the garage.
- Watch for suspicious activity.
- Have children trick or treat in groups, and escort them in familiar neighborhoods only.
- Avoid masks that restrict vision. If the child is bike riding, avoid masks altogether.
- Remove outdoor objects trick-or-treaters might trip over.
- Use caution throughout the evening, driving slowly while traveling on Halloween.
Additionally, here are some more tips from the national confectioners association, www.CandyUSA.org:
- Wear light colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of costumes.
- Adults should accompany young children.
- Go in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.
- Watch for traffic.
- Only give and accept wrapped or packaged treats.
- Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.
- Avoid hard plastic or wooden props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber, which is soft and flexible.
