New Bedford Police Chief provides tips for a safe Halloween

Halloween is days away and the New Bedford Police Department wants to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. Extra patrols will be out that evening to ensure that the evening is a treat for everyone.

Chief Joseph Cordeiro encouraged everyone to keep safety in mind while enjoying the holiday.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to gather and have fun. It is day that most of us have fond childhood memories of. I encourage parental and adult participation and ask everyone to remain vigilant. And most importantly, report any suspicious activity. I wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween.’’

Looking for a free, safe and fun Halloween event for all ages?

• Check out the all-ages Halloween party sponsored by the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman St. This free event will feature games, tricks, treats and “spooky’’ snacks. Dress to impress and participate in a costume contest to win prizes for best overall costume, spookiest costume and most original costume. This is an all-age family event. Children 6 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
• They will also be Halloween partying at Dennison Memorial Community Center, 755 South First St., on Halloween from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event, open to the first 250 children ages two to 15 who register, will include face-painting, a “spooky’’ DJ and dance, “ghoulish’’ games, a costume contest and “candy, candy and more candy.’’The festivities are sponsored by the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s South End Engaged Initiative. Register with the total number in your party, children and adults, by calling 508-996-2691 or e-mailing Sean148@aol.com.
• Another eagerly awaited event is the South End Civic Association’s annual Halloween parade. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. Halloween night at Hazelwood Park and head south to Clegg Field in the city’s south end.

Halloween can be one of the most fun nights of the year. But dangers can lurk if you are not careful.

The New Bedford Police Department has “scared’’ up some safety tips to ensure that everyone stays safe while having fun.

For trick or treaters

• Make sure costumes fit. Wear face paint or make-up instead of masks, which can restrict vision.
• Walk, don’t run. Before crossing the street, stop, look and listen and check both ways. Watch for cars backing out of driveway and walk on sidewalks or paths, not in the street.
• Candy should be checked for signs of tampering. Eat treats only in original wrappers.

For residents

• Turn on exterior lights to welcome trick-or-treaters; keep walkways clear and well-lighted.
• Do not light candles around walkways; use battery-operated light sources.
• Children should be accompanied by parents or guardians at all times.

For drivers

• Drivers should slow down and be alert, especially in neighborhoods.
• Enter and exit driveways slowly and check the entire area around the vehicle before proceeding.
• Be smart, stay safe and have a Happy Halloween!