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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