Below are some safety tips for everyone to keep in mind on Halloween.

Safe Kids.org Safety Video

Drivers

• Pay extra attention, particularly to crosswalks, intersections and the side of the road. Kids tend to walk along the curbs, cutting across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning all around you as you drive, whether as thru traffic or along with your kids as they trick-or-treat.
• Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours. This will allow you time to break if you see a child dart in front of you.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway, they could be dropping off children.
• Don't use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving on Halloween night, as the distraction will severely hamper your reaction time. (You shouldn't be doing this anyway, as it is against the law in Washington State).

Parents

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters: 
  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
  • Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
  • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
  • Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Party Goers

• Trust your instincts. If you feel spooked at any point, go with your gut. If you see something suspicious, contact the police immediately.
• Avoid being alone or isolated with a goblin you don’t know well. Let a trusted friend know where you are and whom you are with at all times. If a goblin asks you to go somewhere, let him or her know you’d rather stay with the group.
• Know your surroundings and learn a bright route back to your car or dorm. 
• Always carry emergency cash and store the phone numbers of local cab companies in your phone.
• When you are out with your friends, arrive together, check in with each other throughout the night, and leave together. Form a buddy system so that no one wanders off alone.
• Agree ahead of time on a secret signal for uncomfortable situations, such as “Mummy!”
• Don’t accept “witch’s brew” from people you don’t know or trust and never leave your “witch’s brew” unattended. If you lose sight of your “witch’s brew,” get a new one.
• Don’t let your guard down. Don’t assume people you’ve just met will look out for your best interests. 
• Watch out for your friends. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they’ve had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safety place immediately.
• If something goes wrong, please do not hesitate to call 911!

Additional Resources:

• SafeKids.org
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Halloween Safety Tips for College-Aged Adults

The Pullman Police Department wants you to have a happy and safe Halloween!