Trick or Treat! Halloween Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe

Twice as many kids are hit by a car while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year, according to a statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

With Halloween approaching, the Pacifica Police Department would like to remind Pacificans of some safety tips to consider to promote a happy, safe Halloween:

• Instruct your children to bring all candy home before eating it so that you can carefully inspect it for tampering. Children shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go — don't send them out on an empty stomach.

• Tell children not to accept — and, especially, not to eat — anything that isn't commercially wrapped.

• Throw out candy or treats that are homemade, unwrapped or if they appear to have been tampered with (pinholes in wrappers, torn wrappers, etc.)

• Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

• Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect for holes, including small punctures, and cut open before allowing children to eat it.

• Wear reflective material and carry a flashlight when walking at night.

• Drive carefully, and be prepared for the high number of pedestrians that will be out during the evening hours.

• If going to an adult Halloween party, make sure that you don’t drink and drive. Use a designated driver if alcoholic beverages are being consumed.

As always, the Pacifica Police Department encourages citizens to contact the department by dialing 911 or 650-738-7314 to report suspicious activity.