By The Star Staff
To ensure that Halloween celebrations are enjoyed safely, the island Family Department and the Families and Children Administration (ADFAN) issued a series of recommendations on Monday aimed at protecting the well-being of minors during the festivities.
Family Secretary Ciení Rodríguez Troche and ADFAN Administrator Nicole Báez Ortiz urged families to take preventive measures and ensure that children celebrate in a safe environment.
“Halloween is an opportunity for children to have fun, but it must always be done in a safe and responsible manner,” Rodríguez Troche said while emphasizing the department’s ongoing efforts to guarantee the protection of minors in all types of recreational activities. “At the Family Department we are committed to their well-being and that is why we call on parents, guardians and responsible adults to take all necessary precautions. The safety of our children is a priority and with simple measures we can prevent unfortunate situations.”
The ADFAN administrator highlighted the work of her team in preparing the tips below.
“Our commitment is to protect children and adolescents at all times and celebrations such as Halloween are no exception,” Báez Ortiz said. “Through these recommendations we seek to educate and raise awareness among families so that activities are safe and risk-free. It is essential that adults take an active role in supervising minors, since their safety depends on our vigilance. Every action counts to avoid accidents, from choosing the costume to checking the candy.”
The team from ADFAN’s Auxiliary Administration of Prevention Services prepared a list of practical and simple recommendations and tips, as follows.
* Accompaniment: Minors must always be accompanied by an adult or in groups supervised by a responsible adult.
* Safe costumes: 1) Make sure that the costumes are visible, with reflective elements. They must be comfortable and fit correctly, without blocking the view or movement. Prefer makeup over masks for comfort. 2) Make sure swords, batons, or other accessories are made of soft materials to avoid accidents.
* Route planning: Choose safe routes on well-lit, familiar streets. Visit trusted homes with visible decorations. Establish meeting points in case someone gets separated from the group.
* Candy screening: Check candy before giving it to minors. Make sure it has its original wrappers and is not damaged. Check for possible allergens, especially if minors have food allergies.
* Road safety: Cross streets carefully, using crosswalks. Avoid running between parked cars or in traffic areas.
* Return time: Set a reasonable return time to ensure the walk does not extend too long.
* No talking to strangers: Teach children not to talk to strangers, enter homes, or get into vehicles with strangers, even if invited.
* Weather conditions: Monitor the weather and make sure children are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.
* Safe areas: Prefer familiar neighborhoods or attend events held at community or shopping centers.
Police activate Halloween security plan with thousands of officers, assistance in communities
The Puerto Rico Police Bureau announced that its security plan for Halloween night will include the deployment of thousands of officers throughout the island, as well as a special initiative called “Night of Light” in communities in need.
Police Commissioner Antonio López Figueroa said the operation will include patrolling highways, commercial and residential areas, while a team from the Police Athletic League and volunteers will provide assistance to homes identified as needy.
López Figueroa announced that the Highway Patrol division, the United Rapid Action Forces (FURA), intelligence and arrest agents, the investigative branch and personnel from the Motorized Unit will be activated in the 13 police regions, with special attention to areas where Halloween is traditionally celebrated.
“This year we transformed Halloween night into a community aid mission with the ‘Night of Light.’ We want that, instead of going from house to house asking for candy, the Police, chaplains and volunteers bring help to homes in need,” the police chief said in a written statement. “This team has already identified needs in several communities and will bring food, equipment and a message of hope to these places on October 31.”
López Figueroa also urged parents to accompany children and avoid contact with unknown people, while adults should moderate the consumption of alcoholic beverages and avoid driving under the influence.
To report incidents, the police have the confidential line (787) 343-2020 and 9-1-1 for emergencies. Police can also be contacted on Twitter @PRPDNoticias and on Facebook at www.facebook/prpdgov.
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