Written by Crime Prevention/Community Outreach Unit – Irvine Division

Halloween is a time for ghosts and ghouls, but we want to make sure you have fun while staying safe. Personal safety should be practiced every night and particularly on Halloween; so follow these safety tips to ensure your friends and family enjoy Halloween with less tricks and more treats.                  

Before engaging in Halloween festivities:

• Choose bright, reflective costumes or clothing that is more visible in the dark
• Avoid costumes with masks that may obstruct vision
• Remove objects from your front yard that may present a hazard   
• Plan ahead and create a safe walking route that is brightly lit
• Review with children how to call 9-1-1 and find safe adults in case they get lost
• Have children memorize their parents’ names, telephone numbers, and their home addresses

During Halloween festivities:

• Follow the rules of the road, stay on sidewalks, and cross at crosswalks
• Bring a flashlight or glow sticks
• Travel in pairs or groups and share your whereabouts  
• Never enter homes or vehicles to accept treats or goodies
• When driving, turn on your headlights and proceed with caution in neighborhoods  
• A responsible adult should accompany children at all times
• Limit phone usage during trick-or-treating so that you aren’t distracted
• Inspect your candy; do not accept or eat any food item that is not commercially wrapped, open or has signs of tampering
• SEE something, SAY something; call 9-1-1 to report suspicious behavior or criminal activity