Cranston Police Department establishes safety initiatives to keep children safe on Halloween

Colonel Michael Winquist, Chief of the Cranston Police Department, announces members of the Cranston Police Department have established safety initiatives on Halloween to ensure that all children and accompanying adults have a safe and Happy Halloween. The safety initiatives that will be implemented include increased patrols and establishing a “trunk or treat” location in front of Cranston Police Headquarters, where officers will distribute candy from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. Additionally, Officers will be conducting registration compliance checks for sex offenders at various locations across the city. Parents are encouraged to visit the Rhode Island Probation Parole Board and Sex Offender Community Notification Unit website to become aware of addresses where sex offenders may be present which can be accessed via the following link: http://www.paroleboard.ri.gov/sexoffender/agree.php

The Cranston Police Department is offering the following Halloween safety tips:

Trick or Treat With an Adult

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, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Walk Safely

Walk on one side of the road and then down the opposite side of the road, so no children are running across the street from house to house. Fewest street crossings as possible.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

Look left, right, and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths if available.

Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

Take the extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.

Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

Peak trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for kids during those hours. Additional Tips

Never enter a home when trick or treating, always stay outside.

Do not go to a home with the lights out, only illuminated homes.

Parents should inspect all candy and treats before consumption.

Report any suspicious activity to Cranston Police (401-942-2211)

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and injured on Halloween, than on any other day of the year. Rainy conditions are expected this Halloween, so motorists are asked to be especially cautious by driving reduced speeds (half the speed limit in residential neighborhoods) and yielding to all pedestrian traffic when approaching cross streets and other congested locations.