Mayor Menino Reminds Boston to Have a Safe and Happy Halloween, Declares Official Trick-or-Treat Hours

Submitted by the Office of the Mayor

Mayor Thomas M. Menino reminds residents to have a safe and happy Halloween as they celebrate the holiday this week. All Halloween events in the City of Boston will continue as planned, and Mayor Menino has declared official hours for trick-or-treating to be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31. To encourage a safe and fun holiday for all residents and visitors in Boston, the Mayor also announced that public safety agencies will provide increased visibility in neighborhoods and reminded residents of important safety tips, particularly for families with young children.

The Mayor is disappointed he won’t be able to participate in this year’s festivities, but he has invited a few special guests to distribute candy to trick-or-treaters visiting his home during trick-or-treat hours. “We’re encouraging everyone to have fun and stay safe while out celebrating Halloween this year,” Mayor Menino said. “City departments have been working hard out in the neighborhoods to ensure the safety of our trick-or-treaters following the storm, and we’re looking forward to an enjoyable night for residents of all ages.”

Parents with young children are especially reminded of important trick-or-treating safety tips and youth are encouraged to adhere to basic safety guidelines. Boston Centers for Youth & Families and the Boston Police Department are hosting Halloween events across the City for families and residents. See below for a city-sponsored event in your area.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS

With Halloween just around the corner, Bostonians are preparing for plenty of superhero, witch and princess sightings. Keep the evening safe and fun with these simple tips:

Costumes

• Costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them.
• All parts of the costume should be labeled flame-retardant.
• The eye holes on masks should be large enough to see through clearly.
• Keep costumes short to avoid getting caught under feet and causing slipping or falling.
• Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing underneath their costumes.

Trick-or-Treating

• Children should be accompanied by an adult. It’s best to take smaller children out earlier in the evening.
• If older children are going out unaccompanied, go over the ground rules first! They should travel in a group, and an adult should know which neighborhoods they will be in.
• Carry a flash light or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers.
• Only trick-or-treat in familiar areas that are well lit. Only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of welcome.

Pedestrian Safety

• Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Always walk, don’t run, when crossing streets.
• Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

Checking Treats

• Throw out anything that appears tampered with, such as home-made foods or home-packaged foods, unless you are certain of the source.
• Inspect fruit closely and take away treats that are not age-appropriate. Young children may choke on items like hard candy or peanuts.

Tips for Drivers

• Be especially alert. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period.
• Drive more slowly and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic.
• Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.

SCHEDULED HALLOWEEN EVENTS INCLUDE:

Boston Centers for Youth & Families Halloween Events

Tuesday, October 30

• BCYF Hyde Park Community Center, Halloween Party, 4-6 p.m.
• BCYF Orient Heights Community Center, First Annual Halloween Bash from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 31st

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