From Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9

Halloween Safety

It’s that time again when children enjoy dressing up and roaming the neighborhoods in search of some of their favorite candy. Halloween may be a fun holiday for the kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little tricky. To make Halloween a treat for all, follow these safety tips.

Costumes
• Purchase costumes that are flame-retardant
• Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and falling and use bright colors
• Use make-up instead of a mask so that children can see.
• If you must wear one, avoid wearing it while walking from house to house
• Carry only flexible props
• Use reflective tape or markings on costumes so children can be seen at night

Trick-or-Treaters
• Start early, end early
• Walk, don’t run and cover one side of the street at a time
• Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic
• Don’t walk between parked cars or crisscross back and forth across streets
• Don’t cut across lawns or driveways. Use the walkway to the front door
• Visit houses with lights on and especially the homes that you and your parents know
• NEVER eat anything before your parents have had a chance to examine all your treats
• Eat only wrapped candy, and nothing that is homemade or anything like an apple or other fruit
• Younger children should be with an adult. Older youth should always be in a group. Never walk alone.
• Never enter a stranger’s home, no matter what your friends say
• Always be polite. It never hurts to say ‘THANK YOU’

Parents
• Have your child eat dinner before going out
• Children should carry a flashlight with fresh batteries or non-toxic light sticks
• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult
• Set time limits
• Older children should carry a watch, especially one that can be seen at night
• Know what neighborhoods your child will be in and who they are with
• Instruct children not to eat treats until the are inspected by you
• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect
• Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism

Homeowners
Remove all obstacles from your lawns, walkways, and steps
Have a well-lighted home, both inside and out, to prevent vandalism and to prevent injuries to trick-or-treaters
Confine your pets
Use battery operated lights or non-toxic light sticks in jack-o-lanterns
Give commercially packaged treats instead of home-packaged items
Motorists
Drive slow and be aware that excited children may forget some of these safety rules
Adult Halloween partiers should have a designated driver