“With
witches, goblins, and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods across
America, Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and
following some common sense practices can keep events safe and fun,” said
Sheriff Lee Baca. “With our nation engaged in a war on terrorism,
safety needs to be on the minds of all residents of Los Angeles County.
By following some simple safety tips, Halloween can be an enjoyable
experience for the entire family,” added Sheriff Baca.
If at all possible, encourage your children to trick-or-treat while it is still
daylight. As this is not always an option and your children choose to venture
out into the “ghoulish” night time, keep your children visible by
dressing them in light-colored costumes and apply reflective tape whenever possible
to increase their visibility to motorists.
As our children participate in the holiday’s festivities, it is our responsibility
as parents to ensure their safety. Your children should always be accompanied
by a responsible adult who has a flashlight and, a cell phone in case of an emergency.
Flashlights with brightly-colored and decorated globes can serve as a warning
to motorists that children are present. Plan a route that uses well-lighted streets
with little traffic and follow all traffic and safety rules. Remind children
to cross the street only at corners with a cross-walk or traffic-controlled intersections,
look in both directions prior to crossing, and never dart out into the street
from behind parked cars.
No matter where your children trick-or-treat, the “goodies” collected
need to be checked by an adult before consumption. Check all treats at home in
a well-lighted area, paying special attention to any item that appears to be
tampered with or unwrapped. Homemade items should only be eaten if obtained from
trusted neighbors and friends; all others should be discarded.
“If we all follow these common sense suggestions, everyone can enjoy a
safe and memorable Halloween,” said Sheriff Baca. “The memories for
you and your children are priceless and will last a lifetime.”
SHB-91A-04
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