The Ansonia Police Department wishes children and their families a fun and safe Halloween for 2013.
Here are some safety tips that can prevent crime and help support the efforts of your local police department.
- Children should wear reflective or bright colored clothing at night and carry a flashlight.
- Costumes should be flame retardant and should allow children to walk freely without tripping.
- Children’s ability to see, hear and move should not be impaired by oversized masks.
- Always travel in groups and ensure member(s) of the group have a cell phone that is fully charged.
- Avoid having children wear their names on the outside of their clothing or jewelry which may allow a stranger to appear they know them.
- Emergency identification can be placed discreetly inside clothing of small children in the event of accidental separation.
- Never approach unfamiliar people or vehicles during your travels.
- Children should be cautioned to avoid walking into unfamiliar homes for the candy if invited inside.
- Avoid homes in poorly lit areas.
- Use caution when walking on the street and crossing the street, especially at dusk and after dark.
- Have a route plan as a family of where you will be traveling, along with a meeting location.
- Adults should always examine Halloween treats before children eat them.
- Candy should only be eaten if packaged properly in their original, unbroken wrapping. No loose candy, open glasses or bottles, fresh fruit, or homemade goods.
- If after consumption of a Halloween treat and there’s evidence of tampering, or a strange taste, or a child feels sick, parents/guardians are urged to call the National Poison Control Center at 800.222.1222 and seek immediate medical attention.
- You can also check the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry prior to planning your route on ct.gov/despp and look under featured links and click on sex offender registry. This is public information that requires the user to read the terms and conditions prior to searching the site.
On behalf of the Ansonia Police Department, have a happy and safe Halloween.