Warren Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips

WARREN, NJ — As Halloween approaches during these continuing unprecedented times, the Warren Township Police is offering some Halloween safety tips for this unique trick-or-treating season.

Chief William Keane is encouraging that trick-or-treating to take place between 3 and 7 p.m. on Halloween.

Keane also offered these COVID-19 safety tips:

• Those who plan to trick-or-treat should limit their groups to current household members, consider staying local, and limit the number of houses of their route. Social distancing should be practiced between all who are not in the same household.
• Consider coordinating with neighbors to develop a system, such as signs or on/off porch lights, for distinguishing houses participating in trick or treating and those who are not.
• If you're planning a Halloween party, make sure you are up to date with the most current restrictions for outdoor and indoor gatherings.

Safety tips for trick-or-treaters and pedestrians:

• Keep alert and walk safely. Put electronic devices down, and walk, don't run, across the street keeping your eyes (and ears) on the road.
• Always walk on sidewalks and always cross at the marked crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far away from vehicles as possible, and try to cross at a well-lit intersection.
• Kids and adults alike should carry glow sticks or flashlights, as well as wear some type of reflective clothing, to help them see and be seen by drivers. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Watch for cars exiting or backing up from driveways and parking lots. Never "dart" out into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Be predictable. Always follow the rules of the road, and obey all traffic signals/signs.

Safety tips for drivers:

• Drive extra carefully on Halloween and during the Fall evening hours. Take extra time to look for pedestrians at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways. Adults may be distracted and not paying attention.

Keane also added that no one should participate in these activities if they or a household member have known exposure to COVID-19, are sick/symptomatic, of have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not yet met the criteria for discounting isolation.

"Our utmost concern is for the safety and well-being of our residents and the children enjoying the holiday. The Warren Township Police Department wishes you a Happy Halloween!" Keane said.

Gov. Phil Murphy has also said Halloween should proceed as planned in New Jersey. He released guidelines on trick or treating on Monday. Read More: Gov. Murphy Issues NJ Halloween Rules, Guidance Amid Coronavirus

Murphy said local and state health officials have worked to ensure a safe halloween for all communities, which includes wearing masks – not just Halloween masks – and limiting "touches" of candy.

"Wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth," Murphy said. "A Jabba the Hutt mask is not a substitute."

Here are some of the rules and guidance:

• In place of placing treats in bags, the candy should be arranged way so that they can be accessed but can't be touched "multiple times."
• Those distributing candy should have treats individually packaged so trick-or-treaters can "grab and go" with no shared bowl.
• Trick-or-treaters and those distributing candy need to wear masks.
• Groups should be limited to household members.
• Groups should stay local.
• Trick-or-treaters should limit the number of homes on their route.
• Social distancing is required for groups who are not all from the same household
• Handing out candy is not recommended.
• Those distributing candy should wash your hands repeatedly.
• Commercially packaged and non-perishable treats are recommended.
• Outdoor trunk-or-treat events can be held, but the number of cars should be limited for social distancing. Lines should be single-file and socially distanced.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.