North Andover Trick-Or-Treating Still On, Despite The Weather

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover's trick-or-treating hours will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday Oct. 31. Heavy rain is forecast to hit the area Thursday evening, but the town clerk's office confirmed that trick or treating is still on — so you may want to find a way to work an umbrella or rain jacket into your costume.

Public safety officials offer the following tips for safe trick or treating this Halloween season:

Trick-or-Treaters and Parents

• Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk, see and be seen.
• An adult should always accompany smaller children. It's best to take them out earlier in the evening.
• Carry a flashlight and make sure that some sort of reflective material or the popular glow light stick are incorporated into all costumes
• Establish ground rules with children that are too old to be accompanied by an adult. Such rules could include: what neighborhoods to go to, staying in a group, what time they must come home, and appropriate behavior while trick-or-treating. Have them bring a cell phone in case of emergencies.
• Always use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• Never dart out between parked cars. Always cross at the corners or at crosswalks.
• An outside light on at the front of the house is usually a sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Avoid going to houses that are not lit. Never enter any home unless it's a family member or a friend.
• Allow an adult to inspect all treats prior to eating them. Throw out any treats that appear tampered with. Do not allow homemade treats to be eaten unless you are sure of the source.
• Limit electronic device use while walking as it causes distractions.

Tips for Motorists

• Be aware that there are many young children out for the evening, especially during the peak hours of 5:30 to 7 p.m. Drive Slowly!
• Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.
• Do not drive a vehicle while wearing any sort of mask. Your visibility could be obscured.
• Obey all traffic signals and signs.
• DO NOT use electronic devices.
• Have a designated driver if attending an adult Halloween party where alcohol is served.