Cranston Police Encourage Safe Trick-Or-Treating

CRANSTON, RI — With Halloween just a few day away, the Cranston Police Department is encouraging parents and kids to be safe when heading out for trick-or-treating. Drivers and trick-or-treaters are encouraged to use extra cautions on Halloween night, when children are twice as likely to be hit by a car.

On Halloween night, the department is hosting a "trunk or treat" at police headquarters. Officers will be on hand to give out candy from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Throughout the night, officers will increase patrols across the city and conduct registration compliance checks for sex offenders.

This year, rain in the forecast will likely make visibility worse than usual on Halloween night. In addition, the Rhode Island Department of Health encouraged Rhode Islanders to take precautions against mosquitoes, since the state has not yet had a hard frost this season.

Parents and kids are encouraged to follow these tips to stay safe on Halloween:

• Children under the age of 12 should not be allowed to trick-or-treat on their own. Older children should go out in groups and stay in areas that are well-lit.
• Choose light colors for costumes whenever possible. Use reflective tape on costumes and candy buckets to increase visibility.
• When possible, use face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct a child's vision.
• Carry a glow stick or flashlight so kids are visible to drivers.
• Walk down one side of the road, then cross and walk down the other side of the road, to keep kids from crossing back-and-forth across traffic. Look both ways when crossing the street.
• Encourage kids to keep their electronic devices down and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
• Never dart into traffic or cross between parked cars.
• Drivers should be extra aware, especially in neighborhoods. Look for kids on sidewalks, crosswalks and medians. Eliminate as many distractions as possible in the car to focus on the road.
• When trick-or-treating, never enter a house.
• Only approach houses with lights on.
• Parents are encouraged to inspect their children's Halloween candy.