With Halloween approaching, the Dartmouth Police Department has released the following safety guidelines to make sure residents to safely celebrate spooky season:

Costume safety 

Police encourage parents/guardians to consider these tips while choosing a costume: all costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant. 

• 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. 
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation. 

Trick-or-treating 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, parents should plan and review a route that they feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow. 
• Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home. 
• Teach 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 children not to eat any treats until they return home. 
• 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. 

Families participating in trick-or-treating should be mindful of these additional safety tips regarding Covid-19: 

• Wear a face mask or face covering. 
• Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy. 
• Refrain from touching one’s face. 
• Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household. 

Driving safety 

When driving, police advise motorists watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. At night, drivers should watch out for children in dark clothing.

New and inexperienced are encouraged to stay off the road.

Handing out treats 

Police recommend these tips to those who will be handing out candy: 

• Avoid providing candy via a shared bowl, and instead use small, individual bags for each trick-or-treater. 
• Wear a face covering while distributing candy to trick or treaters. 
• Practice good hygiene and ensure your hands have been washed before handing out candy. 

Anyone who feels unwell, has been exposed to someone with Covid-19, or who has tested positive for the virus should stay at home and refrain from Halloween activities.

Those who do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating are asked to shut off their outdoors lights as an indicator.