Halloween is a time for fun and candy. But the fun can easily be ruined when the proper safety precautions are not in place. Here are some Halloween tips to make sure everyone has a happy Halloween.
Neighborhood safety tips
National City Police Chief Manuel Rodriguez advises that families should walk the route in which they are going trick- or-treating a day or two before Halloween. He said this will give children and parents an idea of what to expect on the big night.
Rodriguez said along the route families should create a meeting place in case someone gets lost in the throngs of trick-or-treaters.
“These are simple rules that help everyone so that there is no panic,” he said.
Angela Gaines, community relations specialist with the Chula Vista Police Department, said the local mall or events by religious organizations are always a safe and fun place for any trick-or-treater.
She said she favors parents taking their children to these events as opposed to walking the neighborhood for candy.
“There are always agencies, organizations that offer alternatives to traditional trick-or treating going door-to-door,” she said. “It’s fun, and safe.”
She said if parents prefer to stay in the neighborhood, she said they should go to areas that are familiar to them.
Costume safety tips
A big rule of thumb is to make sure children can see out of their masks, not just their front but also their peripheral vision, Rodriguez said.
He said that as part of a person’s costume, candy goers should wear neon colors, or wear reflective tape so that they can be visible to drivers.
Gaines also agrees that reflective tape is a must for any costume. She also encourages parents to make sure costumes are not too long so that a child doesn’t trip and fall.
She said parents should consider costumes that have flame retardant material.
Traffic safety tips
“One of the things that is unusual about Halloween is that you have a higher pedestrian to car ratio. Usually we don’t have that,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez recommends drivers to drive at least 5 miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit. He said this is to give a driver enough space to suddenly break if it needs to.
Gaines said children should never cross the street alone, and drivers should drive slower than normal.
Candy inspection
Rodriguez said those indulging in candy should only eat factory wrapped candy. If the wrapping looks even the slightest bit tampered, throw the candy away, he said.
Rodriguez could not emphasize how important it is to avoid eating homemade treats from strangers.
“Unfortunately there are people who like to hurt people by putting things in the treats,” he said.
For more Halloween safety tips visit the Chula Vista Police Department’s Facebook page.
