As Halloween approaches, public safety officials in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, are emphasizing caution to ensure a safe celebration for all. The Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) will increase neighborhood patrols on October 31, focusing on monitoring speeders and impaired drivers. MPD Chief Michael Bowen encourages residents to take necessary precautions for an enjoyable holiday.
The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) will also have crews present at community Halloween events. Fire Chief Mark McCluskey has highlighted the potential fire hazards associated with Halloween activities, advising the use of battery-operated candles or glow sticks over traditional candles for pumpkin carving.
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To promote safety, officials have provided several tips:
**General Safety Tips:**
– Parents should accompany young children during trick-or-treating.
– Equip children with flashlights or glow sticks for visibility.
– Warn children against entering homes or cars of unknown individuals.
– Teach children to look both ways before crossing streets and to avoid open flames, practicing stop, drop, and roll in case of fire.
– At Halloween parties, children should be aware of exit routes for emergencies.
– Report suspicious activity to MPD at 615-893-1311.
**Costumes:**
– Choose costumes without long trailing fabric to prevent tripping.
– Ensure masks have large eye holes for visibility.
– Use bright colors or reflective tape on costumes and treat bags.
– Toy firearms should have an orange tip for safety.
**Candy:**
– Accept only wrapped or packaged candy.
– Children should only accept treats from known individuals.
– Adults should inspect all treats before children consume them.
– Eating before trick-or-treating can help prevent children from eating candy before inspection.
**Decorations:**
– Decorations are a leading cause of home fires; keep flammable items away from flames.
– Use flashlights instead of candles for outdoor lighting to prevent costume fires.
– Keep exits clear of decorations to ensure escape routes are unobstructed.
For more Halloween safety tips, view the Halloween Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips video [here](https://youtu.be/5yFQfwgjj7o).
Source: Read Original Release
Tennessee’s Halloween Restrictions for Sex Offenders
The Tennessee Department of Correction will conduct “Operation Blackout” on October 31 to ensure that sex offenders under supervision comply with specific Halloween restrictions, such as not answering the door to trick-or-treaters or participating in Halloween activities.