How to Stay Safe Tonight While Trick or Treating

From the city of San Clemente:

Halloween is a fun time of year when children dress up in costumes and enjoy door-to-door trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. The city of San Clemente and San Clemente Police Services would like to remind parents of some safe measures they can take to ensure that their children are safe this Halloween and have an enjoyable experience.

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CANDY AND TREATS

• Children should not eat candy that is easily unwrapped/re-wrapped. Parents should inspect all candy before consumption. If in doubt, throw it out!
• Children should accept treats only at the doorway.

COSTUMES

• Children should wear flame resistant costumes.
• Masks should only be worn if they are properly fitted and provide unobstructed breathing and visibility.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

• Drive slower, especially in residential areas.
• Use your car bright lights if necessary to illuminate trick-or-treaters.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

• If possible, wear reflective clothing so costume can be seen by motorists.
• Use a flashlight in dim and/or low light areas.
• Stay in groups and do not wander alone.
• Use the sidewalk, not the street.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Adults should escort children while trick-or-treating.
• Children should never take short cuts through backyards.

VISIBILITY

• Children should only go to homes that have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

SAFE HOUSES

• Children should never enter a stranger’s home.
• Never invite children to enter your home.

PET SAFETY

• Keep pets inside your home, or another safe place, on Halloween night.

By following these simple safety tips, children and parents can help ensure a safe and fun holiday. The city of San Clemente and San Clemente Police Services wishes all residents a happy Halloween.

PHOTO Patch file photo.

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