When to Trick-or-Treat in Danvers

Do you have your trick or treating routes in town all mapped out yet?

Halloween is coming up in just a few weeks, and each year the Danvers Police Department asks trick-or-treaters to limit their door knocking and doorbell ringing to certain hours and their own neighborhoods.

This year's hours are 6-8 pm on Oct. 31 and police also encourage parents to hold Halloween parties for groups of candy-crazed kids.

A press release from Chief Neil Ouellette offers 10 safety pointers.

1. Be sure children are accompanied by an adult or responsible teenager while going door-to-door.
2. Instruct children never to eat anything until they are home and the treats have been examined. Discard anything unwrapped.
3. Check wrappers of commercial treats for signs of tampering.
4. Call police if there are any suspicious treats.
5. Make sure costumes fit and the child can see well. Wear face make-up instead of a mask. Wear light-colored clothing or reflective tape for visibility.
6. Tell children to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhoods, on well-lit streets.
7. If children are going to be out after dark, make sure they carry a flashlight.
8. Teach children to use the sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side facing cars. Look both ways before crossing the street.
9. Know which friends your children will be with, and which route they are taking.
10. Leave your porch light on so children will know it's okay to visit your home.