Full Notification

The Lancaster Sheriff’s Station would like to remind everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Remember, this time of year, the day light begins to shorten and visibility is affected. Sunset is normally expected around 6:00 p.m. and drivers are advised to be extra careful of pedestrians in the roadways.  We have a few safety tips to help ensure a safe Trick or Treat.

Halloween Safety Tips  Walk Safely

•Parents should ALWAYS accompany children when Trick-or-Treating.

•Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks when possible.

•Look left, right and left again when crossing and continue to be aware of cars as you cross.

•Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

•Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

•Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to

the left as possible.  Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

•Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Trick or Treat With an Adult

•Feed children a light meal or snack before going out. This will discourage them from eating too many sweets.

•Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

•Adults should go with children to the door of every home you visit.

•Only approach homes with lit porch lights or homes that are clearly welcoming visitors.

•Urge your children to wait until they get home to eat their candy. Inspect their candy when they get home.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

•Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

•Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.

•Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

•When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

•Choose flame resistant costumes. If buying a costume, check for a “flame resistant” notification on the label.

•Avoid pointy swords and sticks. Instead use cardboard and tape to make bendable props and accessories.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

•Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

•Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

•Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

•Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

•Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

•Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours

For additional safety tips go to  http://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips

Additional Resources and References:

National Retail Foundation

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Food and Drug Administration

Consumer Reports

Miami-Dade Police Department

Joint Base Charleston

Kids.gov

Safe Kids Worldwide

American Academy of Pediatrics

Deputy Miguel T. Ruiz

Lancaster Sheriff Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
501 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone: (661) 948-8466
http://www.Lancaster.lasd.org

Website: http://www.Lancaster.lasd.org

Facebook.com/DeputyMiguel

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Lancaster Sheriff’s Station polices the City of Lancaster, Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, and the unincorporated

communities of Antelope Acres, Lake Los Angeles, and Quartz Hill in the Antelope

Valley

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