Police are ready for Halloween revelry

Michelle Warren, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·2 min read

Oct. 29—Whether trick- or- treating in neighborhoods or at community events, local public safety personnel are advising residents to be safe on Halloween.

The good news is this year's Halloween, though still impacted by the COVID pandemic, appears to be more normal than a year ago.

Acting Coventry Police Department Chief Jeff Spadjinske said this year will be more active than in 2020, when the pandemic and absence of a vaccine curtailed many celebrations and activities.

" We would expect a pretty fair turnout," Spadjinske said.

With more folks vaccinated and Connecticut's case count improving, the area appears ripe for renewed holiday revelry.

As a result, Coventry police said they are treating this holiday like a pre- pandemic Halloween. " We're going to have our usual contingent for this weekend," Spadjinske said, referring to officers on patrol during the holiday.

Weather could be a factor this weekend.

Though the rain from Saturday should be mostly out by the actual Halloween

AREA POLICE, Page 4

------

Area police ready for some Halloween revelry this weekend

Continued from Page 1

holiday, showers are possible and the temperatures expected to be chilly.

According to the Weather Channel, partly cloudy skies are forecast for the Willimantic area Halloween night, with the low temperature being 36 degrees and a 30 percent chance of rain.

Spadjinske advised children to wear light- colored clothing and use glow sticks or other lighting devices to light up their paths.

Meanwhile, state police are urging adults to check the sex offender registry before Halloween so they can map out trick- or- treating routes.

That is available at portal. ct. gov/ despp.

Willimantic police issued the following safety tips:

—Do not enter a stranger's house or car.

—Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.

—Make sure kids are trick or treating in safe, familiar neighborhoods.

—Parents should tell their older children or teenagers what time you expect them to be home and make sure they have a cellphone and flashlight with them.

—Make sure costumes and masks don't obstruct vision or movement.

—Adults must inspect a child's candy or treats before they eat them.

—Those attending Trick or Treat on Main Street in the Thread City should be aware of large crowds and make sure their family has a meeting location just in case someone gets lost or separated.

—Drivers must be alert for pedestrians on the roads and sidewalks, as well as being extra cautious when driving during Halloween.

There are several community Halloween events in the area, including Trick or Treat on Main Street in Willimantic from 5 to 7 p. m. Sunday and Trick or Treat in Downtown Storrs on Saturday in Mansfield from 3 to 5 p.m.

Main Street will close at approximately 4: 30 p. m. for Trick or Treat on Main Street in Willimantic.

Follow Michelle Warren on