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\nThose who are planning on attending a party in or out of town should remember these tips:
1. Many young children are out for the evening\, especially during the peak hours of 6:00 &ndash\; 8:00\, so drive slowly.
\n2. Do not to drive a vehicle while wearing any sort of mask. Visibility could be obscured.
\n3. Have a designated driver if attending an adult Halloween party where alcohol is served.
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\nAs Halloween draws closer\, Chief Samuel Santiago and the Shirley Police Department remind residents to consider safety tips during fall festivities\, especially for those who plan on trick-or-treating or who will be out at night. Our goal is for residents and kids to remain safe while celebrating the evening responsibly.
The Centers for Disease Control provides best practices for Halloween trick-or-treaters by asking that people follow the &ldquo\;Safe Halloween&rdquo\; motto.
\n1. Swords\, knives and other costume accessories should be short\, soft and
\nflexible.
\n2. Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
\n3. Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see people.
\n4. Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.
\n5. Hold a flashlight while walking to be visible. Walk and don&rsquo\;t run from house to house.
\n6. Always test make up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
\n7. Lower the risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
\n8. Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
\n9. Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.
\n10. Wear well-fitting masks\, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision\, trips and falls.
\n11. Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.
\n12. Enter homes only if with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don&rsquo\;t accept rides from strangers.
\n13. Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.