Dixfield chief adding patrol for Halloween safety

DIXFIELD — Police Chief Richard Pickett is beefing up patrol during Halloween events Saturday to ensure safety for all.

The town's annual Halloween Walk begins at 5 p.m. Saturday at Main and Weld streets, with an extra police patrol on through the evening and four or five members of the Mexico Police Explorers.

"They volunteered to help out as a public service," Pickett said.

The young Explorers will help ensure that the several hundred expected trick-or-treaters will be safe not only on Weld Street, but also on the side streets.

Along with the closure of Weld Street from Main Street to the intersection with Coburn Avenue, all side streets will be closed as well from 5 to 8 p.m.

If drivers need to get around during that time, he said they can use High Street, to Pine Street, to Coburn Avenue, or vice versa.

In the past, the Halloween Walk didn't call for barricading the streets, resulting in some pretty tight squeezes for children and drivers.

"We've been very fortunate to not have anything happen before we blocked off Weld Street. It's been kind of hairy," the chief said. "We appreciate the public's cooperation."

Although the streets will be blocked off, Pickett and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety have some advice for keeping youngsters safe. Pickett said some children also trick or treat on other streets in town.

Among the top recommendations are dressing in a light-colored costume, and wearing a reflector or carrying a flashlight.

Other measures are:

• Stay on sidewalks and crosswalks where available, and cross at intersections.

• Always look for cars when crossing.

• Always walk facing traffic.

• For adults, plan a safe way home before parties; designate a sober driver if planning to drink; report a drunk driver on the road.

eadams@sunjournal.com