Safety Tips for Area Trick Or Treaters, Offered by Bernards Lion Club

Bernards Township police urged residents to use "common sense," when out for Halloween this year, and the Bernardsville police department issued a request that all residents, motorists and children to exercise safety precautions during what has become a Halloween holiday weekend this year.

"In an effort to create a safe Halloween environment, the department is encouraging children, parents and motorists to stay focused on safety,” Bernardsville Police Chief Kevin Valentine said in a news release.

To help achieve that goal, the Bernardsville police department has again teamed up with the Bernards Lions Club to provide safety-related treats to children who might be walking along borough streets, the chief said. Bernardsville Borough officers will be distributing light sticks, glow necklaces and reflective Halloween Bags on Halloween. A limited supply of these items also will be available at police headquarters on Mine Brook Road beginning at 4 p.m. on Halloween. 

Additional items will be distributed by police patrolling Bernardsville on Halloween, the chief said. That police department also currently has reflective Halloween bags and a safety brochure available for pick up at Bernardsville police heaquarters while supplies last.

In Bernards Township, the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce already has announced the return of its  (CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER) designed to allow children to collect treats from about three dozen participating merchants in a safe environment, and in daylight, on Saturday afternoon. Merchants are expected to give out treats and prizes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Then immediately afterward, the township department of parks has scheduled its annual pumpkin rolling contest and other Halloween-related events in the field behind the on West Oak Street. The nearby at 32 S. Maple Ave., also is scheduled to offer Halloween crafts at that time.

Bernards Township police did not issue special guidelines, or curfews, but will add additional patrols on Mischief Night and Halloween Night, according to township police.

The safety tips issued by Bernardsville police and the Bernards Lions Club, which are general in nature and would apply in all neighborhoods are:

For motorists:

•   Stay alert. Neighborhoods that don’t normally have a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic may experience an increase on Halloween night.

•   Be alert to children that may forget to “stop, look, and listen” before crossing the street.

•   Be on the look out for children that may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars.

•   Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.

•   Be patient and SLOW DOWN. Give children lots of time to cross the street. 

For parents and caregivers:

•   Purchase or make costumes that are brightly colored and clearly visible to motorists.

•   Decorate costumes, “goody bags,” and other containers with reflective items.

•   Make sure costumes are short enough so they don’t cause children to trip or fall.

•   Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.

•   Masks should not impair a child’s hearing or field of vision.  Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes.

•   Children should carry flashlights or “glow sticks.” 

•   An adult should accompany the trick-or-treaters around the neighborhood.

For Trick-or-Treaters:

•   No running! Always walk when crossing streets, and cross at corners or crosswalks — whenever possible.

•   Look “left-right-left-again” for cars before stepping off the curb to cross the street.

•   Stay with the adult who is leading the group.

•   Try on your costume before Halloween night. Make sure that you won’t trip on it and hurt yourself. If you’re wearing a mask, be sure you can see and hear out of it.