SAPD: How To Be Safe on Halloween

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The San Angelo Police Department released the following statement regarding Halloween. 

"We would like to remind everyone that City Officials do not schedule times or dates for Halloween or trick-or-treating – that is up to each individual. "

If you and your family CHOOSE to trick-or-treat, City Officials (with guidance from the CDC) are recommending that everyone:

• Wear a mask
• Remember to practice social distancing from people who are not from your immediate household
• Wash your hands once you get home.
•  If you are sick or not feeling well, then please stay home.

If you CHOOSE to trick-or-treat, here are some of the SAPD’s Halloween Safety Tips to help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday: 

• Choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards
• All costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant 
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks 
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first 
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation 

"Children are more than twice more likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents."

Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night:

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds 
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you 
• Agree on the specific time children should return home 
• Look for houses with porch lights on or signs welcoming trick-or-treaters
• Respect those who choose not to participate in giving out candy 

Help kids beat the tricks while trick-or-treating by instructing them to: 

• “Tell people ‘No!’” if someone tries to separate them from the group or take them somewhere without your permission. 
• Have kids practice firmly saying ‘No!’ and identifying adults who could help in emergencies.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car 
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends 
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home  
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street 

Safety Tips for Motorists:

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs 
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully 
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween 

For more information about CDC guidelines for trick-or-treating and Other Halloween Activities: https://www.cdc.gov/.../daily.../holidays/halloween.html.