Community Corner

Enjoy a Safe Halloween

For the past two Halloweens – one blizzard, one hurricane – parents even considering letting their kids go trick-or-treating were issued warnings to watch out for downed power lines, tree limbs, dark houses.

This year, things are back to just good old-fashioned candy collection, but still there’s some safety precautions to keep in mind.

Police departments in the region plan to have extra patrols out tonight for Halloween.

Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Croton, officers spent some time leading up to the trick-or-treating festivities teaching kids to play it safe out there and distributing some non-candy goodies to get them ready. 

Officers Cliff Gabrielsen and Paul Camillieri visited Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School to give all the kids Halloween activity sheets, bookmarks, canvas candy bags, permanent markers (to decorate the bags), and Glo-sticks all the better to see them with while they trick-or-treat. The items were donated by the Croton Police Association and the Croton Police Department. The officers would also try to make some day care center stops as well. 

Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, police sent kids home with plastic bags reminding them to not litter and "Keep America BOOtiful."

In Greenburgh, Supervisor Paul Feiner will even join the police on the streets as he does annually. He also reminds us in his post on Patch of a community party tonight at the Theodore Young Community Center, 6:30 p.m.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest you and your children follow these tips for a fun and safe Halloween, here and in the attached PDF.

S     Swords, knives, and similar costume extras should be short, soft, and flexible.

A     Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

F     Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

E     Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.

 

H     Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

A     Always test make-up on a small area first. Remove it before bedtime.

L      Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

L     Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

O     Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

W     Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to see clearly and prevent trips and falls.          

E     Eat only factory-wrapped treats.  Avoid homemade treats unless you know the cook well.

E     Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.

N     Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Wear flame-resistant costumes.

Of course, drivers also need to exercise extra caution tonight; go slow. 


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