Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon and Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia paid a visit to Buffalo Public School No. 61 on Tuesday, along with Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams Knight to remind kids and parents of some safety measures this Halloween on Thursday.
Scanlon issued important safety reminders to all City residents, block clubs and drivers.
"The safety of our children is among my top priorities and this Halloween our message is simple: Have fun trick-or-treating, but have fun safely," said Scanlon on Tuesday.
“While trick or treating is a time for celebration, costumes, and candy, it’s important to take a few basic steps to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween,” added Dr. Williams Knight. “Parents should always be aware of where and with whom their older children are with, remind them of the city curfew, and ensure that young children are always accompanied by a chaperone. Trick or treaters should wear light colored costumes or carry flashlights or other reflective items such as glow sticks to make them more visible to motorists, and always remain at the front door and never enter a stranger’s home. Lastly, always inspect all treats before consuming them, and throw away any that are unwrapped or seem suspicious.”
"Halloween trick-or-treaters will be out in all parts of the city, walking in groups both large and small. As we always encourage, both drivers and pedestrians should take precautions to ensure everyone remains safe. Looking both ways before crossing the street, paying extra attention around driveways, crossing at crosswalks, wearing reflective clothing at night, and driving slowly are all simple and effective ways to keep everybody safe," said Gramaglia.
Scanlon offers the following advice this Halloween for families across Buffalo:
HALLOWEEN IS FOR CHILDREN IN COSTUMES
To minimize the safety risks that occur when older youth go door-to-door until late at night, the City of Buffalo’s recommended Halloween Trick-or-Treating cut-off policy is 8:00 pm.
TRICK-OR-TREAT WITH YOUR CHILDREN
A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you. Be sure older children know the recommended Trick-or-treating cut-off policy is 8:00 pm in the City of Buffalo.
A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you. Be sure older children know the recommended Trick-or-treating cut-off policy is 8:00 pm in the City of Buffalo.
A STRONG ADULT PRESENCE WILL SERVE AS A DETERRENT TO POTENTIAL MISCHIEF
Work with your block club or neighbors to form “Neighborhood Watch Teams”. Call 911 if you see any suspicious activity.
DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS AND PRETEND YOU’RE NOT HOME
A turned-on porch light is the universal signal that a household is participating in trick-or-treating and is ready to hand out candy; if your porch light is off, it generally means you are not handing out treats. If you are not participating in trick- or-treating, police advise to keep your porch light off, but be sure to keep some indoor lights on to prevent the potential for mischief.
SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORISTS WHO PLAN TO BE ON THE ROAD
• Watch for children walking on roadways. Enter and exit driveways carefully. At dusk and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.