On Oct. 28, Mayor Ken Hopkins reminded parents and Cranston residents to work for a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for Cranston youth.

“This is always a fun holiday for our youngsters to enjoy costumes, decorations and a little candy as they visit family and friends. Everyone needs to be careful as little ghosts and goblins are ringing doorbells,” said Hopkins.

He urged residents to drive carefully in their neighborhoods as children go door to door trick or treating.

“I urge all homeowners to light their paths and yards for safety while their candy buckets remain full. We want a safe and successful holiday for kids and families to enjoy,” Hopkins said.

The mayor praised a number of local PTOs and other community groups that have organized “trunk or treat” events as alternative holiday venues.

“Some real creativity has been shown in trying to make Halloween a safe and special event for youngsters,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins listed several commonsense Halloween safety tips for trick or treaters and their chaperones:

- Choose the right costume and make sure it is flame-resistant

- Wear bright reflective costumes or add reflective tape to be more visible

- Use flashlights or lanterns for everyone’s safety

- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and cross walks, if available

- Walk on sidewalks and paths when available

- Parents should focus on youngsters’ activity at doors and in the streets and not electronic devices and texting

On Halloween treats that are passed out, Hopkins urged parents and guardians to pay attention to the treats being received.

“I urge everyone to be cautious with candy and toys,” he said, “Make sure children are accepting commercially wrapped candy and snacks.”

“Sadly, we need to keep an eye out for signs of tampering and any unusual appearances or discoloring in wrappers and treats.”

Hopkins also urged residents who might be feeling under the weather or isolating in their home to wait until next year to celebrate the Halloween experience. He said Covid is still an issue to deal with by some residents.

“Cranston is a wonderful community and nationally ranked for our quality of life,” Hopkins said. “We want Halloween 2022 to be fun, safe and memorable for all our youngsters.”