Merrimac police share Halloween safety tips

The Merrimac Police Department reminded residents of Halloween safety tips on Oct. 19 ahead of trick-or-treating on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The department said Halloween can be dangerous for both trick-or-treaters and people on the road, and offered a list of safety tips for drivers, parents and residents handing out candy.

For drivers, the department advised slowing down in residential areas, using high beams later in the evening to spot children in darker costumes, and following all traffic guidelines put into place by law enforcement, including road closures, seeking alternate routes if necessary. Residents handing out candy from their porches were asked to remain vigilant and alert parents or children if an inattentive driver is near. The department also asked residents to park cars in their driveways to keep passageways clear for vehicles and pedestrians.

For parents, the department recommended that those with children ages 4 to 10 remain with their child at all times and keep them by their side. Other tips included dressing children in weather-appropriate and reflective clothing, choosing face paint over masks since masks can obstruct vision, giving children flashlights to carry, and making sure costumes are properly sized to prevent falls.

Source: Merrimac Police Department announcement, October 19, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.