GloCo Officials Offer Halloween Safety Tips

By: Follow South Jersey Staff

WOODBURY, N.J. — Gloucester County officials are urging those planning celebrations or participating in Halloween activities to keep in mind public health and safety recommendations.

“Halloween is a community and family tradition for so many residents. We offer these recommendations to keep you and Halloween safe for everyone,” Commissioner Director Robert M. Damminger said.

The Gloucester County Department of Health and the New Jersey Department of Health encourage all residents who will be participating in Halloween activities to do so safely.

“No one should participate in these activities if they or a household member have a known exposure to COVID-19, are sick/symptomatic, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19,” Commissioner Jim Jefferson said. 

Gloucester County asks residents to check with local sources to find out trick-or-treating times across their town.

“In addition to safety regarding your health, we urge parents to remind kids of the safety risks involved with trick-or-treating. Staying alert and being aware of your surroundings can prevent accidents and trips to the hospitals in severe cases,” Commissioner Dan Christy, Liaison the Office of Emergency Response, said.

“Halloween is a fun event for the whole family, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious to keep everyone safe. Be familiar with the safety tips below to help you and your child have an enjoyable and safe Halloween,” Gloucester County Sheriff Carmel M. Morina said.

County officials suggest the following safety tips:

  • Practice hand hygiene by handwashing or hand sanitizer
  • Trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods. Accept treats only at the front door. Never enter the home of a stranger.
  • Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
  • Approach only homes that have their front porch light on.
  • Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
  • Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
  • Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street
  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Parents should check all candy and treats prior to children ingesting. 

To make holidays like Halloween safer, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has offered the following suggestions:

  • Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
  • Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
  • Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors.
  • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
  • Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov or call the Gloucester County Department of Health at (856) 218-4101.

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