Halloween Safety Tips for Your Super Heroes and Princesses

Some parents are so spooked by Halloween that they smother their kids with rules that are guaranteed to kill a good time. That’s no good.

But parents need to make decisions that guarantee their kids’ safety.

The Palo Alto Police Department is making your life easier by passing along tips for a safe, fun Halloween.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

• · Trick-or-treat while there is still light outside.
• · If you must trick-or-treat after dark, carry a flashlight for better visibility.
• · A responsible adult should escort children while trick-or-treating. Children should not be allowed to be go out alone.
• · Plan your trick-or-treat route ahead of time.
• · Set a specific time by which older kids need to return.
• · Tell your kids that they should never enter a stranger's home.
• · Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• · Always use the sidewalks. Do not walk in the street.
• · Watch out for open flames from jack-o-lanterns while on porches. Don't allow costumes or long wigs to catch fire.

Costume Tips

• · Wear a costume that makes it easy to walk, see, and be seen.
• · Use makeup instead of a mask. A mask may keep you from seeing well. If you must wear a mask, take it off before crossing the street.
• · Ensure that props like fake knives, swords, and toy guns are made from a flexible material to avoid accidental injury.
• · Realistic-looking toy guns or other toy weapons should never be used.

Tips on Treats

• · Set rules about kids not eating treats until they get home.
• · Inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
• · Treats that have been opened should be thrown away.
• · Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely.

Tips for Drivers

• · Drive slowly all evening.
• · Be alert for kids darting out into the roadway from between parked cars.
• · Be extra careful when pulling into and out of driveways.
• · As always, avoid using your cell phone while driving.

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