Be Safe, Be Seen on Halloween!

While planning your family’s costumes this Halloween season and getting ready to join the neighborhood for trick-or-treating, take extra time to plan for a safe and fun experience.

Everyone plays a part in keeping our neighborhoods safe!

Whether you’re shepherding your trick-or-treating crew through the neighborhood or attending a party, here are tips to protect your community:

Safe Walking

• Accompany kids under age 12.
• Remind children to only cross the street at crosswalks and corners.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them at a crosswalk.
• Carry glow sticks or flashlights to make your group more visible.
• Always walk on sidewalks, when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk against traffic.
• When you’re walking, keep your head up and your phone stowed away.

Safe Costumes

• When selecting a costume for your child, avoid masks as they can limit vision. Opt for fun face paint instead.
• Make sure your child’s costume is the right size to avoid trips and falls.
• Incorporate reflective tape or stickers into costumes. Wearing light colors will also help kids to be visible to drivers.

Safe Driving

• Slow down, especially when driving through residential neighborhoods.
• Avoid any distractions. Your phone can wait!
• Be extra aware of your surroundings. Remember, kids are excited and may dart into the street unexpectedly.
• Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to improve visibility.
• Take extra care when entering and exiting driveways.
• Heading home from a Halloween party? Never drive drunk or impaired. Make a plan to get home safely that does not involve getting behind the wheel!