👻🎃In a few weeks, we will be celebrating the night where all the ghost, goblins, witches, monsters, and even superheroes come out and to collect their sweet treats. We know how much fun this holiday is for kids and adults alike and we, at the Upper Makefield Township Police Department, would like to share some thoughts and ideas on how to make the Halloween of 2020 safe for all who celebrate, big or small.

First, the standard safety protocols:

👻Check costumes for proper fit so that they do not pose a tripping hazard or reduce or block your child’s vision

🧟‍♂️Consider placing reflective tape on bags and/or costumes in order to increase the visibility of your trick or treaters

🧛‍♀️Consider flame retardant costumes

🎃Ensure that a responsible adult accompanies your children and always carry a flashlight

👀Always watch for vehicles and cross streets at intersections

🦇Wait to eat any candy until you get home and the candy is inspected by an adult

🌔Make sure your path to your home is well lit and free of tripping hazards

We are sure you can think of more safety tips, but these are just some we wanted to highlight. With the concerns this year involving the coronavirus, we offer some additional 2020 Halloween safety considerations:

🕷If you are welcoming trick or treaters to your home, be sure to have your property well lit. If you choose not to participate in this holiday tradition, please turn off your outside lighting

👻Talk to your trick or treaters about respecting other people’s choices

🕸Talk to your HOA’s and neighbors about setting start times and end times

🧟‍♂️Set up a table outside to pass out candy directly to your Halloween night visitors or place individual candy bags on the table for trick or treaters to take

🦇If you choose to pass out candy, consider wearing a mask at all times. There are many Halloween themed masks for sale on the internet to help you get into the spirit of the night

🧛‍♂️Be sure to have hand sanitizer available for not only you, but for your Halloween visitors

🧙‍♀️Consider being in smaller groups and have your trick or treaters wear masks as they collect their treats with friends

🎃Discuss with your neighbors and/or HOA’s about the possibility of a Halloween drive-by, where the kids would be dressed in their costumes and wait on their property while parents, neighbors, and friends slowly drive by throwing candy to the children

Ultimately, how you wish to enjoy and celebrate Halloween this year rests with you. Please openly communicate with neighbors and HOA’s so that everyone is on the same page and everyone is aware of the expectations this year. We provided just some ideas from a long list of suggestions on how to stay safe this Halloween and we trust that you will do what is right for you and to be respectful of your family, friends, and neighbors. And, don’t forget!!! UMTPD officers will be out in the neighborhoods, wearing masks and maybe even costumes to keep an eye on your little ones and to also pass out as much candy as possible!! We wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween!