Safety comes first for Halloween celebrations in the Lakes Region

Halloween falls on a Friday this year, meaning both children and adults will kick off the weekend by celebrating the spooky season with trick-or-treating and parties.

While dressing up in hilarious or terrifying costumes and gathering bags full of candy from neighbors is a fun tradition, leaders in public safety encourage everyone to enjoy the holiday, safely.

Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield is asking drivers to slow down and be extra cautious, as children will be out in costumes which aren’t always bright. This leads to his next recommendation: Be visible.

“Wear reflective clothing and use flashlights when necessary,” Canfield said. “Look for vehicles when crossing roadways or walking near the street.”

State Police troopers remind drivers and pedestrians to follow good safety practices while celebrating Halloween.

Michal Sventek, public information officer for State Police, said drivers should keep a close eye on the road and be alert for trick-or-treaters and pedestrians. He also said to obey the speed limit, and slow down especially in areas where children could be roaming. If wearing a costume while driving, do not wear a mask that will obstruct vision. For adults attending parties or celebrating with alcohol, he urges them to ride with a designated driver or ride share service.

Sventek also recommends pedestrians follow the rules of the road by obeying all signs and signals, and always cross streets at crosswalks. He said to be on the lookout for cars in all directions, as well. Sventek also recommends those trick-or-treating choose well-lit areas, and walk facing traffic. He echoed other public safety leaders in recommending using light sticks or flashlights to remain visible, and for children to stick together and watch out for each other.

Canfield said people can stay safe while out past dark by wearing glow sticks, reflective dots and stickers. Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert agreed, saying many costumes are dark, so the biggest thing is to have some sort of lighting.

“A flashlight or glow stick will make all the difference in the world,” Joubert said. “Make sure the kids have something visible. Some streets, like Pleasant Street, are closed off, but there is still moving traffic.”

Gilford Fire Chief Steve Carrier added that headlamps are a good way to ensure being seen on the streets.

“Be careful of vehicles in the roadway in general,” said Carrier. “Hopefully, the vehicle operators will be careful, too.”

Laconia firefighters have responded to injuries from tripping and falling while trick-or-treating in the past, so Joubert recommends making sure eye holes in masks are big enough for clear vision.

A statewide burn ban remains in effect, despite recent rain and more expected later this week, including on Thursday and Friday. Joubert said while this is frustrating to many, as autumn in New Hampshire is a great environment for campfires and roasting marshmallows, he urges everyone to hold off on making a fire this weekend.

“We have seen a campfire turn into acres upon acres unintentionally,” Joubert said, adding he doesn't see the burn ban being lifted until snow falls.

Gilford Fire Chief Steve Carrier added that his department has received several calls from frustrated residents who want to build a campfire, or burn their brush. He said the burn ban even affects the town, as the recycling center can’t burn even with a commercial permit. The only areas permitted to burn are legitimate campgrounds that meet specific requirements.

However, fire safety isn't just for bonfires or campfires. Joubert is asking people to be careful with lighting candles in their jack-o'-lanterns, and recommends skipping the flame.

“Decorations and candles cause more fires inside homes than anything else,” Joubert said. “Candles and pumpkins go hand in hand, but we advocate using something battery-powered.”

Canfield recommends younger children be escorted by parents or competent adults, but as children get older, they inevitably want to branch off from their folks. Older children should consider staying in groups when trick-or-treating.

“Only approach houses that have lights on, and stay in common areas,” Canfield said.

Laconia High School Interim Principal Mike Boyle knows that the holiday falling on a Friday brings a little bit of “controlled chaos” to the school day, but he loves how students are continuing off the fun of Homecoming Week with more amusement. He expects many students and staff members to be wearing costumes on Halloween, and there will be a contest where the best are chosen.

While he urges high school students to come out to the football game to cheer on the Sachems against Inter-Lakes, he knows many will make their rounds to gather candy. He reminds students who go out trick-or-treating to be safe and have fun in a respectful way.

“Be smart and be safe, and set a good example for the younger kids that are out,” Boyle said.

Laconia Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds said it's a bit of a blessing having Halloween on Friday, leaving time for the sugar rush to wear off before students head back to class. They have already had a successful trunk-or-treat at Woodland Heights Elementary School that 600 students attended, and now the district is gearing up for a Halloween Parade at Pleasant Street School.

Hinds hopes the weather will be kind to trick-or-treaters, and the expected rain will taper off by the afternoon, but those who will be out she reminds to stick together, use sidewalks, and stay in well-lit areas.

Everyone loves when the bucket is overflowing with candy, but instead of diving right into the glory, Canfield reminds parents and children to check over their treats first.

“While most people have good intentions, there is always the possibility of someone wanting to create harm,” Canfield said.

Sventek added it is prudent to avoid eating candy with compromised packaging, and to only eat homemade treats from trusted people.

State Police urges anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to immediately call 911.