Keep Children Safe this Halloween: Norwalk Police & State Police Have These Tips

An announcement from Norwalk Police:

The Norwalk Department of Police Service reminds motorists to use extra caution on Halloween to help
keep all the trick-or-treaters safe.

Additional proactive patrols will be assigned throughout the city to assist with making Halloween a safe and happy holiday for all. These units primary focus will be Halloween related calls for service and drunk driving/motor vehicle enforcement.

Alarming stats

• A total of 44% of national fatal crashes during Halloween weekend involved a driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher [the legal limit].
• A total of 23 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night included a drunk driver.
• Pedestrian fatalities involving children are about 4.5 times the levels of other nights of the year.

Motorist tips

• Use caution while behind the wheel.
• Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Eliminate distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

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• Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111
• Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
• Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NPD” into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to CRIMES (274637).

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State police recommend these safety tips in an announcement issued Tuesday:

Halloween is one of the most enjoyable nights of the year for thousands of ghosts and goblins. With safety in mind, the Connecticut State Police has a list of recommendations for keeping our state’s youngest residents protected on this holiday.

Children are urged to follow these instructions for an exciting night of tricks and treats:

1. Wear bright, light-colored or reflective costumes so that motorists see you. Add reflective tape to trick-or-treat bags for increased visibility.
2. Carry a flashlight so that you will be seen as you walk from house to house.
3. Use caution as you visit houses. Be alert for objects or toys in the walkway or on the porch.
4. Never enter anyone’s house or car for a treat.
5. Always go trick-or-treating in a group that includes adults; never go out alone.
6. Do not eat any treats until you arrive home and your parents inspect all goodies.
7. Only collect treats from those you know.
8. Always watch for cars as you walk from house to house.
9. Do not wear a mask that hinders vision in any way.

Before Halloween night, parents are reminded to clear their walkways of any obstacles that could hamper visits from costumed youngsters. Parents should inspect all treats collected by their children and dispose of any items that appear to be unsafe for consumption, such as unwrapped, partially opened, discolored or out of the ordinary treats.

In addition, parents are urged to check the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry prior to Halloween night so they can map out their trick-or-treating routes.

State Police Colonel Brian Meraviglia reminded all drivers to be aware on Halloween night.

“I urge all Connecticut residents to please drive cautiously and obey all traffic laws. Be aware of all the children who will be running from house to house. We do not want the excitement of this evening marred by a senseless tragedy,” Colonel Merviglia said.

“This is a fun and scary night, but safety must come first,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro said. “The Connecticut State Police and all Resident State Troopers will be out in force on Halloween to keep state residents and trick or treaters safe.”