Halloween Safety Tips from the San Mateo Police Department

The San Mateo Police Department is offering the following tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe on Halloween.

Halloween Costume Safety

• Wear flame retardant costumes.
• Make sure your Halloween costume is colorfast so the color doesn't run onto your other clothes if it rains.
• Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering.
• Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
• Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.
• Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead.
• Use only hypoallergenic and non-toxic makeup.
• Wear comfortable, practical shoes.
• Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
• Keep your costume and wig away from candles.
• Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
• Take along a cell phone for emergencies.
• Wear identification that's easy to read.
• Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
• Follow a curfew and take a watch easily seen in the dark.
• Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks.
• Walk. No running.
• Don't trample through flower beds and gardens.
• Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
• Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
• Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
• Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
• Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
• Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
• Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.
• Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
• Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be polite and say "thank you."
• Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.
• Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
• Small children should not be allowed hard candy they may choke on.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.

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