Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is a fun event for the entire family.  Make sure to follow these Halloween safety tips to ensure your Halloween is safe and enjoyable.

Trick or Treating:

• Plan your route ahead of time.

• Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.

• Carry a flashlight with new batteries after dark.

• Always trick or treat in groups with an adult.

• Stay on sidewalks and out of streets.

• Cross only at designated crosswalks. Obey all pedestrian laws

• Walk. Do not run. Use the sidewalk.

• Watch out for open flames in jack-o-lanterns.

• Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.

• Only visit well lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.

• Don’t enter any houses unless you know the people.

• Don’t approach unfamiliar pets and animals.

• Don’t cut across yards and stay out of backyards.

• Follow traffic signals and don’t jaywalk.

• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.

• Never accept rides from strangers.

• Don’t eat any candy until it has been inspected by an adult.

• Avoid candy that has loose wrappings or is unwrapped.

• Avoid candy that is homemade or has puncture holes.

• Teach children their home phone number and make sure they know how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Costume Safety:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.  Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater nighttime visibility.
• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase only those that have a label indicating they are flame resistant.
• Consider a loose-fitting costume to allow for warm clothes to be layered underneath, should the evening be chilly.
• If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes. Consider removing the mask when crossing streets for greater visibility.

For Motorists

• Drive slowly!  Remain cautious and drive slowly through the community.
• Look for children walking or running on the street.
• Do not use a cell phone while driving.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• Do not Drink and Drive!

ALWAYS report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or police. “See Something, Say Something” * Emergency 9-1-1 * Non-Emergency: 310-378-4211