With Halloween creeping up on us, let’s be sure to have a safe evening of trick-or-treating. The Sacramento Police Department encourages everyone to take a few moments to review the following safety tips, especially with your children.

For Trick-or-Treaters:

·         Stay in your own or a familiar neighborhood

·         Communicate with your guardians about what your route will be

·         Bring a flashlight or glow stick

·         Stop only at houses with their lights on

·         Don’t go into strangers’ homes for any reason

·         Make sure your costume doesn’t drag on the ground

·         Carry only faux or flexible knives, swords or other props

For Parents:

·         Accompany younger children

·         Inspect your child’s candy

·         Plan the route ahead of time

·         When driving, watch for children darting between cars

·         Take a cellular phone or walkie talkies

·         Avoid taking shortcuts in alleys - Stay in well-lit areas

·         If your child’s costume is common (superhero character, etc.) mark it to allow for quick visual identification

·         Use reflective tape on costumes

·         Remind children of fire safety and fire hazards - Candles may be used at homes as decorations

For Motorists:

·         Don’t drink and drive

·         Don’t drive distracted

·         Use caution when backing out of or entering a driveway

·         Drive slowly down residential streets

For Homeowners:

·         Keep pets away from children

·         Use glow sticks instead of candles on your front porch

·         Remove obstacles from your front yard, and clear a pathway for trick-or-treaters to get to your front door

·         Call the police if you observe any suspicious activity

Press Release 20131028-155