Extra Precautions for This Year's Halloween Festivities in Salem

If you're one of the thousands of North Shore residents who flocks to Salem on Halloween, you can expect to see some changes this year. 

Officials are preparing enhanced security as they anticipate large crowds of revelers in Salem for the annual celebration of Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 31. Public safety is always a priority on Halloween in Salem, especially this year, in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings in April. 

In addition to coverage from the Salem Police Department, additional resources from neighboring communities, Boston Police, Transit Police, and State Police will be on hand. Expanded coverage for 2013 includes additional crowd control, K-9 units, expanded surveillance, and explosive detection units. There is also an annual reconfiguration of how units are deployed. 

People planning to visit Salem on Halloween night should be aware of the following:

• Salem Police will have new, bright orange Salem Police Tents throughout downtown.
• If you see something suspicious or concerning in Salem, say something! Call (978) 744-1212
• Use Salem Police Text-a-Tip from your mobile phone by texting 67383 and enter SALEM1031 with your tip.
• Leave costume weapons - real or fake - at home.
• Public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• Triple fines are in effect on October 31. This means citations for illegal behavior, including public drinking, vandalism, and littering could have fines up to $300.
• Traffic to Salem will be heavy. Plan to take the MBTA Commuter Rail or Salem Ferry.
• Arrive early so you have time to make the most of your Halloween experience.
• The party ends after the fireworks at 10:15 PM. Plan to depart at this time, as police and public works departments will be clearing the streets and sidewalks. 

Downtown roads in Salem will be closed to accommodate the thousands of revelers. Salem Police make the closure decisions based on public safety needs, and make every effort to keep roads open to traffic until 5:00 PM. Complete road closure information is available at Salem.com and HauntedHappenings.org. 

Each year tens of thousands of costumed revelers celebrate Halloween in Salem. While the vast majority of visitors enjoy their time in Salem without incident, there are some who take advantage of the public gathering and end up causing harm to the area, themselves or others. The City of Salem strongly discourages disorderly behavior, including drinking in public, littering and random acts of vandalism. Offenders will be penalized to the maximum amount allowed under the law both civilly and criminally.

A complete schedule of entertainment has been planned by the City of Salem and its partners, including Radio 92.9, to ensure a fun celebration for all who come to Salem. The schedule and additional information regarding traffic, directions, and parking can be found on HauntedHappenings.org.