When is Trick or Treat in Swampscott?

Trick or Treat is Thursday, Oct. 31, in Swampscott. There are no set hours for the holiday.

These tips were submitted in a previous year by the Swampscott Police Department.

To help ensure this Halloween is a safe and happy holiday for you and your children, here are some things to be aware of. 
Costume Suggestions: 
• Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls and other bumps in the night. 
• Wear light or bright colored costumes and use light reflective tape. 
• Children shouldn't wear a mask; it restricts vision. If a mask must be worn, cut large eye holes. Make-up is much safer than a mask because it doesn't obstruct vision. 
• Toy weapons, wands, brooms, etc. should be made of paper or cardboard; they are safer than plastic, wood or metal. 
• Put the child's name, address and phone number on the inside of their costume in case of an accident or lost child. 
• Children should wear comfortable shoes; poor-fitting shoes are uncomfortable and may cause a fall. 
• Trick or Treat bags should not be too large; they can obscure vision or cause your child to trip. 
• Make sure wigs and costumes are flame retardant. 
Trick or Treat Safely: 
• Eat a full meal prior to going out so he/she won't be tempted to eat treats before they can be properly checked out. Tell your children not to eat treats until you have checked them out. 
• Set a time limit for children to trick-or-treat. Plan your child's route and visit only homes in your neighborhood that are well lighted 
• Remind them not to take short cuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields. 
• Travel in a group or with an adult; never enter a home. Do not let children go alone. 
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick. 
• Cross streets at corners, never from between two vehicles. 
• When crossing a street, STOP and LOOK both ways before crossing streets and LISTEN. 
• Walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic if there are no sidewalks. 
• Watch for cars driving into or backing out of driveways. 
Treats -- Give Them A Safety Check: 
• One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging into the candy is to feed them a meal or substantial snack beforehand. 
• Check for holes or loose wrappers, pour powdered candy into a container and look for discoloration or lumps. 
• Don't eat opened candy, fruit, etc., unless you know the person it came from. 
• Wash fruit, and then cut into bite-size pieces. 
• Soft candy should also be cut up into pieces before eating. 
• Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you are absolutely sure they came from a safe source.
• Some hospitals will x-ray treat bag contents. Check with your local hospital for additional information.
• If any problems arise, call the Swampscott Police Department at 781-595-1111 or 911. 
Tricks: Tell Your Children... 
• Remember, Halloween is a good time for dangerous strangers, so be careful. 
• Don't play pranks. Damaging other peoples' property is considered vandalism and is a crime. 
• If your child is the victim of a crime (stolen candy, intimidation, threats, etc.) either talk to the suspect's parents, or call the police if you wish to prosecute. 
"Unhaunting" Your Home and Neighborhood: 
• Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights. 
• Do not light candles around the walkways. If you would like luminaries or to light a jack-o-lantern, use a battery operated light source or glow stick. 
• Keep walkways unobstructed and well lit. 
• Don't let anyone you don't know into your home. 
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard to visitors. 
• Drive slowly all evening -- you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path. 
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police or sheriff's department. 
Safe Alternatives: 
• Trick or Treat in a local shopping mall. 
• Attend community sponsored events. Watch newspapers for additional information. 
• Host a family party.