MPD and MFRD offer Halloween safety tips

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - (October 28, 2024) It's that time of year for trick-or-treating, haunted houses, ghosts, and goblins, but the spooky fun can quickly turn dangerous if you're not careful. That's why city public safety officials want to ensure you're safe this Halloween.

Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) Officers will be out in force on Oct. 31, increasing patrol in neighborhoods. They will be looking for speeders, reckless drivers, and impaired drivers.

"We want everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween," said MPD Chief Michael Bowen. "We encourage residents to take the necessary precautions for an enjoyable holiday."

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) will have crews at several community Halloween events.

"Halloween can be a time for spooky celebrations and fun, but it can also be a time for some scary fire safety hazards," Murfreesboro Fire Chief Mark McCluskey said.

Regarding carving pumpkins, Chief McCluskey said he prefers residents to use battery-operated candles or glowsticks.

"If you're going to use a lighted candle, you must always have eyes on it. Keep it far away from anything that can burn and out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, and walkways."
Halloween Safety Tips:

General Safety Tips

• Parents should accompany children, especially small children, while they are trick-or-treating.
• Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting.
• Warn children NEVER to enter the home or car of someone they do not know.
• Instruct children never to run out into the street and to always look both ways before crossing.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice Stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)

General Safety Tips Continued

• If children go to Halloween parties at a friend's home, have them look for ways out of the house and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
• Suspicious activity should be reported to MPD immediately by calling 615-893-1311.

Costumes

• Avoid billowing or long trailing fabric when choosing a costume to prevent your child from tripping or falling. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
• Make sure costumes are brightly colored or have reflective markings to make them visible to motorists. Reflective tape can be used to trim costumes and treat bags.
• When using a toy firearm with a costume, ensure the toy gun has an orange tip on the end of the barrel.

Candy

• Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.
• Children should only accept treats from people they know.
• Parents should warn children to have an adult examine all treats before eating.
• It may be wise to have children eat before they go out so they are less likely to eat candy before inspection.

Decorations

"Decorations are the first thing to ignite in 1,000 reported home fires each year," according to the National Fire Protection Association.

• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
• Use flashlights instead of candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Watch the following Halloween Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips video for more tips: https://youtu.be/5yFQfwgjj7o.

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