Trick-Or-Treating During A Pandemic

Halloween is supposed to be a time of wholesome fun; however, this year not everyone may feel comfortable with trick-or-treating due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Police Department has made green and red signs for residents to place in their windows, or visible areas, for trick-or-treaters to identify whether you are welcoming them or not. For families who will be participating in trick-or-treating this year, the Garden City Police Department recommends the following:

• Those interested in participating in trick-or-treating may place the green “Trick-or-Treaters Welcome” sign on your window or door. Those who are not interested, may place the red “No Trick-or-Treaters, Please” sign on your window or door.
• Trick-or-treaters are asked to please take note of trick-or-treating signs posted throughout the Village and not approach houses with the red "Please, No Trick-or-Treaters" signs displayed. Please be respectful of others and their decisions to participate/not participate in trick-or-treating this year.
• Families going door-to-door are reminded to wear face coverings at all times.
• Trick-or-treating groups should be kept small. Groups of trick-or-treaters from more than one household are discouraged.
• Maintain a safe distance from other groups and wait to approach a house until the previous group has left.
• Do not consume any candy until it has been inspected by an adult and you have thoroughly washed your hands.
• Individuals choosing to pass out candy are reminded to wear face coverings and gloves at all times.
• Pass out candy individually with gloved hands instead of inviting children to take a treat from a communal bowl.
• Consider making candy goody bags and place them in your yard or driveway for children to pick up themselves.
• Per the CDC, a Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask or face covering. Costume masks can be used if it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose.
• If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please make sure it does not create breathing problems. If it does, discard the costume mask.

In addition, Garden City Police Commissioner, Kenneth Jackson, along with Donna Galasso, assistant director of Traffic Safety AAA Northeast, offer parents, children and motorists additional safety measures to ensure a safe holiday:

• Motorists are advised to drive slow and with extreme caution on neighborhood streets. They should be mindful that children trick or treating may not pay attention to moving vehicles. Be mindful that some children may cross in the middle of a block rather than at corners.
• Children should wear light-colored clothing with reflective material, short enough to prevent tripping. Parents should ensure masks do not obstruct a child’s vision. It is safer to go out during daylight hours; however, children should carry a flashlight in case of delay.
• Adults should accompany young children. Place emergency identification tags discreetly in young children’s clothing in case they become separated from their group.
• Young children should stay within their neighborhood and only visit homes they know. Children should be instructed never to enter a home or vehicle of a stranger and have a planned safe return route home.
• Children should be instructed to watch for traffic, stay on sidewalks where available, obey traffic signals, stay in well-lit areas, and avoid cutting across rear yards, alleys, and fields. For safety reasons, children should visit houses on one side of the street at a time, crossing only at corners and crosswalks.
• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy. All candy should be inspected by a responsible adult before consumption.
• Children should be instructed to be courteous, and respectful of others when trick or treating, and not be a nuisance or annoyance to neighbors. Children should be reminded to avoid pranks such as, but not limited to, ringing doorbells, throwing eggs, spraying shaving cream or silly string, which can be very dangerous and result in serious injuries to others. Hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords should be avoided.
• Homeowners should clear their sidewalks and yards of obstacles and decorations which may be difficult to see in the dark. Pets should be kept away from children; costumes often frighten a pet.

Parents should remind their children of the dangers of pranks and mischief. Merchants are requested to limit sales of products that can be used to create mischief. As always, additional police patrols will be on hand.

To assist parents in teaching their children to be safe during Halloween, safety materials provided by the AAA Northeast are available at Garden City Police Headquarters.

Be alert for any unusual circumstances. Notify the Police Department of suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. As a reminder, the Police non-emergency line is 516-465-4100.