Halloween is on Tuesday, October 31st and the Sacramento Police Department would like to take a moment to discuss a few safety reminders so your ghosts and goblins can have a safe night of trick-or-treats!

Tips for Parents:

§  Consider attending a community or church event

§  If Trick-or-Treating, map out your route ahead of time and only visit well-lit houses.

§  Ensure your child’s costume is non-flammable and marked with reflective tape

§  Try not to use masks as it can obstruct your child’s view

§  Send children with flashlights and easy to carry Halloween candy bags

§  Accompany younger children – trick or treat in groups, never alone!

§  Take a cellular phone or two-way radio device with you

§  Avoid taking shortcuts through an alleyway, stay on the sidewalk

§  Check candy before children consume it – if the wrapper is open, throw it out

Tips for Children/Teenagers:

§  Carry a flashlight

§  NEVER enter the house of a stranger!

§  Stay on the sidewalks and use well-lit streets. Do not walk in the street!

§  Look both ways before crossing the street

§  Stay with your group or a buddy

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

§  Teens under 18-years-old without a parent present, have a 10:00 p.m. curfew

§  Examine candy before its eaten

Tips for Motorists:

§  Use extra caution when entering or exiting a driveway

§  Watch for children darting out from behind parked vehicles

§  Watch for children walking in the roadway

§  Drive slowly on residential streets

§  Don’t drive distracted & never drink and drive!

Tips for Homeowners:

§  Remove any obstacles from your front walkway for trick-or-treaters

§  If you plan to hand out candy, turn your porch light on

§  Keep pets away from children

§  Use battery-operated lights instead of candles on your front porch

§  Call 911 if you observe any suspicious activity