Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween

In the new issue of The Dispatch, Seabrook Police Department’s Community Affairs Officer John Mounsey provides citizens with tips for Trick-or-Treaters, homeowners, and drivers. The quarterly newsletter is a collaborative effort between Seabrook Watchdogs, the citizen-driven town-wide neighborhood watch organization, and the Seabrook Police Department.

Beggars’ Night in Seabrook will be on Tuesday, October 30, from 6 PM to 8 PM this year.

“Besides checking your candy over and making sure your children’s costumes are safe, there are a lot of other things happening on Beggars’ Night to be aware of,” says Mounsey.  “We just want everyone to enjoy themselves and be able to do it again next year.”

Mounsey advises parents to accompany their young children on a planned and familiar route.  “Make sure they’re within your view, and don’t let your children go into strangers’ houses,” he cautions.  “Older children should never go trick-or-treating alone, either,” he adds.  “Make sure they have at least two buddies with them.”

Homeowners should do their part, too, according to Mounsey.  “Put away anything trick-or-treaters could trip over, turn your lights on and make sure there is good visibility around your walkways, and make sure your pets are under control,” he advises.

“Along with the increase in foot traffic of Trick-or-Treaters on Beggars’ Night, unfortunately the potential for automobile-related accidents with young pedestrians increases, too,” remarks Mounsey.  “In Seabrook, a lot of people drive their kids into different subdivisions and let them out to walk from house to house,” he observes.  “Sometimes, the parents follow behind in their cars, and that causes confusion as kids dart between cars and cut across the street going from house to house,” he adds.

Mounsey warns drivers to be more vigilant than usual.  “Drivers are already distracted because they’re trying to keep an eye on their own kids, and may not be paying attention to much else,” Mounsey says.  “It makes the potential for a tragedy to happen,” he adds.

The newsletter also contains information about getting your vehicle ready for the oncoming winter weather.  Officer Mounsey provides a checklist of things to go over before the snow arrives.

“Please clean off all vehicle windows and make sure they’re clear before driving,” Mounsey asks.  “Often we see vehicles with a small space cleared on the back window, or the defroster hasn’t started clearing the front window.  People often stick with their routines, but then sometimes that makes them take chances,” Mounsey says.

For more information, contact seabrookwatchdogs@gmail.com or visit Seabrook Watchdogs on Facebook and Twitter.