Ross A. Atstupenas
Chief of Police
15 St. Paul St.
Blackstone, MA 01504
For Immediate Release
Monday, Oct. 16, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Blackstone Police Provide Halloween Safety Tips
BLACKSTONE — As Halloween quickly approaches, Chief Ross A. Atstupenas and the Blackstone Police Department are reminding families of several important safety tips as they prepare to take their children trick-or-treating this year.
“Halloween is a fun night for children and their families and we want to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the holiday this year,” Chief Atstupenas said. “We are encouraging residents to follow these safety guidelines and be sure to say something if you see anything out of the ordinary.”
Halloween, which is celebrated on Oct. 31, falls on a Tuesday this year. Blackstone Police will have extra officers on patrol, including bicycle and motorcycle patrols in busy trick-or-treating neighborhoods, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
Police also remind residents to use caution as they celebrate the weekend prior to Halloween, Oct. 27-29.
Children should:
- Only approach well-lit houses and always travel in small groups
- Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them
- Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant
- Use flashlights for guidance on sidewalks, walkways and when crossing the street
- Make sure masks have eye-holes large enough to see any tripping hazards or oncoming traffic, and mouth openings large enough to breathe easily
- Practice safe street-crossing by using crosswalks and walk signals
- Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costumes
Parents and guardians should:
- Supervise children under 12 years old
- Establish a designated curfew for older children
- Make sure children are wearing safe costumes that fit well and don’t drag on the ground
- Apply reflective tape to your child’s arms, legs and treat bags
- Assure costume accessories such as swords and other pointed objects are made with soft and safe materials
- If driving children between houses and neighborhoods, have them get out of cars on the curbside, not on the traffic side.
Homeowners should:
- Keep inside and outside lights on during trick-or-treat hours
- Avoid placing lit candles and jack-o-lanterns on doorsteps and walkways where costumes could brush against them and cause burns or fire
- Only hand out candy that is packaged and wrapped
- Avoid handing out small toys that could cause choking or lead poisoning for small children
Additionally, any suspicious person or vehicle should immediately be reported to the
Blackstone Police at 508-883-1212 OR through their anonymous tip line at 508-876-5847 or online through the department’s Submit a Tip form, here.
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