Photo submitted by Jeffrey of Natick
TJ, 4, of Natick, is dressing up this year as the Incredible Hulk.
The Frankenstorm will not keep young Frankensteins from trick-or-treating in Greater Boston and beyond.
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s office has announced trick-or-treat in Boston will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday night. And public safety agencies will ensure increased visibility in Boston neighborhoods.
Many towns across New England, from Andover to Belmont to Fall River to Nantucket, told us Halloween will go on as usual.
But some areas of our state are postponing Halloween because of Sandy. In Norwell, for example, trick-or-treat has been postponed until Saturday, Nov. 3, according to the town hall.
If you have any questions about whether your area is safe for trick-or-treat, please call your local town, city hall, or non-emergency police department.
And don’t forget to send us photos of your children dressed in costume.
If you are dressing up your pets, we want to see those too!
Our complete Halloween 2012 guide.
Here are some safety tips from Mayor Menino’s office:
Costumes:
– Costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them.
– All parts of the costume should be labeled flame-retardant.
– The eye holes on masks should be large enough to see through clearly.
– Keep costumes short to avoid getting caught under feet and causing slipping or falling.
– Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing underneath their costumes.
Trick-or-treating:
– Children should be accompanied by an adult. It’s best to take smaller children out earlier in the evening.
– If older children are going out unaccompanied, go over the ground rules first! They should travel in a group, and an adult should know which neighborhoods they will be in.
– Carry a flash light or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers.
– Only trick-or-treat in familiar areas that are well lit. Only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of welcome.
Pedestrian safety:
– Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
– Always walk, don’t run, when crossing streets.
– Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
Here is more information about keeping your kids safe in traffic:
Report: Parents have to worry about traffic, not tainted candy on Halloween
Checking treats:
– Throw out anything that appears tampered with, such as home-made foods or home-packaged foods, unless you are certain of the source.
– Inspect fruit closely and take away treats that are not age-appropriate. Young children may choke on items like hard candy or peanuts.
Tips for drivers:
– Be especially alert. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period.
– Drive more slowly and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic.
– Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.
Open all references in tabs: [1 – 6]