The Dallas ISD Police Department is helping parents and students make the most of their trick-or-treating adventures while keeping safety a top priority. Below are their top five tips for a fun-filled and safe evening:
- Trick-or-treating is safer, not to mention more fun, in groups. Kids under age 12 should be joined by adults for trick-or-treating. Get together with other adults and make an evening of it. Bring cellphones for quick pictures and emergencies, but leave them in your pockets to avoid getting distracted.
- Slow down and be alert. Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street or rush from door to door. Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks. Keep children on the sidewalks and shepherd them carefully when crossing the road. In areas without sidewalks, walk on the far edge of the road, facing traffic.
- Drivers need to take particular care on Halloween. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from farther away. Keep your car parked and locked. If you have to drive through a neighborhood, take it much slower than normal. Watch for kids who may dart between cars and into the road without looking.
- Select a safe costume. Make sure your child’s costume is the right size to prevent tripping and falling. When possible, choose face paint over masks because masks could limit their vision. Opt for bright or light–colored outfits that can be seen by drivers. Wigs and accessories should also contain a label indicating if they are flame resistant. Make sure accessories such as swords, canes, or sticks are not sharp or too long.
- Be visible. Carry glow sticks or flashlights and use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and candy bags.
- Check your candy. Check your child’s treats for choking hazards such as gum, hard candies, or candies with toys in the center. Throw away any candy that is not sealed with a wrapper and avoid homemade treats.
