10/22/2008     09:00 AM

As we move closer to Halloween, the East Brunswick Director of Public Safety, Barry Roberson, is stressing the importance of safety during this holiday. Halloween is a time for large numbers of children, both young and old, to be out on the streets celebrating. By following a few simple safety rules, everyone can be assured of enjoying themselves while remaining safe. The following safety tips are recommended by the National Confectioners Association: • Wear light colored clothing and make sure the length will not affect your ability to walk. • Use reflective tape on the front, back and sides of your costume. • Make sure you can see easily through your mask, or use makeup instead of a mask. • Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. • Try to go out during daytime hours. If this is not possible, carry a flashlight. The flashlight not only helps you to see where you are walking, it helps make you more visible to other people and motor vehicles. • Stay in neighborhoods you are familiar with. Avoid homes you do not know. • Always watch for motor vehicle traffic. • Only hand out and accept wrapped or packaged candy. • Make sure that you inspect all candy before eating it. • Be aware that pets may become frightened by children in costumes and react in unpredictable ways. • If your costume includes props such as daggers or swords, use items that are soft and flexible to avoid injuries. Make sure that the props aren’t too realistic to prevent people from thinking they are real weapons. Director Roberson would also like to stress that motor vehicle operators need to be extra cautious, particularly in residential areas. With the large numbers of children that will be out on the streets, the safest thing to do is slow down to avoid the tragedy that can result from the combination of driving too fast and children crossing the street on a regular basis. Finally, all township residents are asked to be vigilant for hazardous situations. Please report any potentially dangerous conditions to the East Brunswick Police Department immediately. The Police Department also has access to the Halloween Candy Hotline. If anyone suspects that they have received candy that has been tampered with, you can call the main Police number at 732-390-6900 and report the information. The Police Department will then pass the information to the Hotline.