[Skip to Content]
Dispatch Non-Emergency 325.657.4315

SAPD’s Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween has been celebrated on October 31st in the United States since the early 1800’s and is traditionally a family-oriented holiday when children (big and small) get to dress up and enjoy candy and other treats.  In order to assist the San Angelo community in enjoying this fun-filled holiday as safely as possible, the San Angelo Police Department has compiled the following Halloween safety tips for children and their parents.  

  • All costumes should be made of light-colored, fireproof material.
  • Children should wear proper fitting, comfortable costumes and shoes.
  • Props such as toy guns or swords should be made of pliable material.
  • Realistic replica firearms should never be used.
  • Masks should not be worn if they impair vision.
  • Wigs should be fireproof and should not restrict vision.
  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers.
  • Children should trick-or-treat during daylight hours.
  • Children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween.
  • Parents should know what route their children will be taking.
  • Set a specific time limit for your children to be out on Halloween night.
  • Advise children that they should never enter strangers’ homes.
  • Never invite children into your home.
  • Children should never accept rides from strangers.
  • Children should walk, not run, during their trick-or-treat activities.
  • Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
  • Children should never take shortcuts through backyards or alleys.
  • Children should always use sidewalks, not the street, for walking.
  • Children should look in all directions before crossing the street.
  • Instruct children not to stray from their group.
  • A responsible adult should escort children while trick-or-treating.
  • Adult escorts should carry flashlights.
  • Don’t leave your home unattended on Halloween night.
  • Keep pets inside your home, or other safe place on Halloween night.
  • Give wrapped homemade treats only to children you know.
  • Children should never eat any treats until they have been examined.
  • All fruit should be cut and closely examined before eating.

 

We hope you have a spooktacular time!

###