Current in Noblesville
The Noblesville Police Department released a statement today reminding residents that the official designated hours for Halloween this year will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 and offering tips for parents, residents and motorists for a safe holiday.
Officers from the Noblesville Police Department will be paying particular attention to motorists who are not obeying traffic laws in and around residential areas where children will be expected to be walking. Motorists are urged to exercise due care as children sometimes make sudden or unexpected movements such as darting between parked vehicles and crossing streets in locations that are not properly marked, illuminated or designated for pedestrian crossing.
The department offered this advice:
Parents:
- Make sure an adult or older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for younger children.
- Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
- Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartments buildings that are well‐lit and never enter a stranger’s home.
- Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.
- Establish a return time.
- Review all the appropriate trick‐or‐treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
- Remind children to walk on sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk in available, have children walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- Remind children to walk, do not run. Be careful crossing yards and lawns where unseen objects or uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
Costumes and face design:
- Only fire‐retardant materials should be used for costumes.
- Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.)
- If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children more visible.
- Avoid mask that obstruct a child’s vision. Use facial make‐up or paint instead.
Motorists:
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- Travel at a reduced speed (10‐15 mph below the posted speed limit) especially in residential areas where it is obvious that children will be walking.
Residents:
- Leave your exterior lights on near your front door if you are participating in handing out candy. Parents/children will use this as a means to identify your willingness to participate.
- Secure any pets (outside and inside) that may become startled because of the costumes, noise, or overall increase in activities on that evening.
- Make sure that children have a clear path to and from your front door. Decorations or other Halloween displays can sometimes impede or present a tripping hazard for unsuspecting children.
Additional considerations:
- Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
- When in doubt about a specific treat that your child has brought home, simply throw it away. It is not worth the risk!
- Contact the Noblesville Police Department immediately if you suspect that your child’s candy/treat has been compromised in any way.
For additional questions or concerns, contact Lt. Bruce Barnes at the Noblesville Police Department at 317.776.6340 ext. 1261.