SAPD Sends Out Tips For a Happy Halloween Trick or Treating

SAN ANGELO,TX— In an effort to keep San Angeloans safe this Halloween, Officer Tracy Gonzalez sent out this advice to the Concho Valley:

"Halloween has been celebrated on October 31 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.

• 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!"