Spring Arbor Township will be recognizing Halloween hours from 6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. on October 31^st. Remember to check the candy you have received before consuming it to insure it has not been tampered with, unfortunately this is still a necessity.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Walkers:

1. Cross the street at corners using sidewalks and traffic lights if available.
2. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
3. Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run across the street.
4. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
5. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
6. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into traffic or cross between parked cars.
7. A suggestion is children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, it is suggested they stick to familiar areas and trick-or-treat in groups.

Costumes:

1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective decals or tape and consider light colors.
2. Consider face paint or makeup instead masks, which can limit a child’s vision.
3. Consider carrying a flashlight or glow sticks to help see and be seen by drivers.
4. Be sure the costume fits properly to avoid trip & falls.

Drivers:

1. SLOW DOWN !!
2. Be especially alert and attentive in residential neighborhoods. Children, especially little ones, are excited on Halloween and may be unpredictable in their movements.
3. Take extra time to look for children while traveling through the neighborhoods.
4. Exit driveways and parking lots slowly and carefully.
5. Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children and assist them in spotting you from greater distances.

PANDEMIC SAFETY SUGGESTIONS:

Trick-or-Treaters:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
• Wear a cloth mask that covers both the mouth and nose, excluding costume masks.
• Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer while trick-or-treating.

Residents:

• If you intend to hand out treats, turn your porch light on as a sign of welcome. If you don’t wish to participate, turn off your exterior lighting.
• Mark six-foot lines on your walkway so trick-or-treaters can space out as they wait for candy.
• Consider using a distribution table to put space between yourself and trick-or-treaters.
• Consider handing out treats in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than a front door.

The Spring Arbor Township Police Department wants you to have a “Happy & Safe Halloween” !

Chief Howard Keith Noppe