Candy, parties, costumes…it’s that time of year again! Halloween brings so much excitement to children and adults, but for police officers it’s a different story. Halloween can be a stressful time of year for police officers, with masks, pranksters, unsafe driving and kids out at night; they have a big job to do. We want to share a reminder for everyone to stay safe this year and make the most of this fun holiday!
We want to keep Halloween a fun, safe and happy holiday for you and your kids; one you’ll look forward to for years to come! One way to stay safe and happy is to keep in mind a few of these safety tips. Remember the men and women in blue who work day and night to make these holidays safe for everyone. Here are some typical situations cops are always looking out for on this holiday.
Halloween Safety Tips to Keep in Mind This Weekend:
1. Mask with Caution
Cops will be keeping a close eye on those coming in and out of businesses with masks on. Many stores do not allow you to wear masks inside. Be careful with what you are wearing before entering a business, and make sure not to have your face covered. If your children are young, try face paint instead of a mask sine they tend to obstruct their vision.
2. Be Safe Running/Walking at Night
Be safe when you are out at night trick or treating and crossing the road. Always cross the street at corners and use traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways and don’t walk while using your phone. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Children under 12 should not be alone without adult supervision at night. Always remember to trick or treat in groups. Halloween night can be dangerous with many people in costume, and drunk drivers. Trick or treat careful and together to be safe and enjoy the night.
3. Look out For Pranksters
Police officers are always on the look out for those “tricking” on Halloween. Some stores won’t even sell eggs to kids who look under 18 that are without an adult. If you have kids under 18, especially teenagers, make sure you know their plans for the night and inform them that toilet papering or egging could get them in more trouble with the law than they would think. A silly prank can end up costing someone fees or charges, and perhaps most importantly, they can accidentally hurt someone.
4. Home safety
On every day of the year except one day, many homeowners keep their doors shut to those they don’t know. On Halloween, however, these same homeowners voluntarily open their doors to strangers. By using common sense and adhering to a few tips, there’s no reason you can’t continue to participate and enjoy Halloween while ensuring their own safety. Just trust your instincts. Some opt out of giving away candy from their door and simply post up on their front porch or lawn with a chair and the candy for kids to take as they come by.
5. Time Changes
Since it’s the time of year where it gets darker earlier, keep your Halloween costumes safe. If your costume is dark, carry a brighter trick or treat bag. Wear face paint instead of masks and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
6. Drive Safe
Be sure to drive extra safe on Halloween. Kids are hopped up on sugar, running in the roads, and very excited. Sometimes they cannot see well with their costumes, so please look out while you are driving. Take extra time to look at intersections, and drive slower than usual. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m., – 9:30.p.m. Be especially alert for kids during that time. Remember to never drink and drive and that often there is check-point stations on holidays.
Everyone wants to have a safe and happy Halloween. Use these safety tips and some common sense to help you make the most of your Halloween season. There are lots of simple ways to help keep your child safe on Halloween, so share these tips with your friends and families and thank your fellow police officers for keeping us safe.