Treats, but No Tricks for Halloween

Brought to you by Redmond Police
While October 31st is an exciting time for kids to dress up for Halloween and do their endless knocking for treats, there is also a great deal of responsibility on adults who are looking out for these children. If you celebrate this holiday, the following are a variety of tips to keep everyone safe.

    Preparation
  • Make sure older kids go out with friends. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. If you live in a rural area, offer all kids a ride in the car.
  • Set a time limit for children to trick-or-treat. Together, map out a safe route and remind them not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or playfields.
  • Remind kids not to enter a strange house or car.
  • When it is dark, make sure the trick or treaters are carrying flashlights that work.
Play Video

Tricky Treats
Halloween is notoriously a night of pranks— toilet papering a house or filling mailboxes with shaving cream are not unusual. However, some tricks could hurt other people or vandalize property. Emphasize that you disapprove of vandalism and if they get caught, it could mean a special meeting with one of Redmond’s finest.

  • Tell kids not to eat treats until they get home. Feed them a full meal or substantial snack beforehand to help prevent it.
  • Check out all treats at home in a well-lit place. What to eat? Only unopened treats in original wrappers. and inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious.
    Unhaunting Houses
  • Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights.
  • Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard to visitors.
  • Ask your Neighborhood Watch or citizens’ group to patrol the community.
  • Drive slowly all evening—you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
  • Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police or sheriff’s department.
    Making Safe Costumes
  • Check that costumes are flame-retardant.
  • Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls and other bumps in the night.
  • Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes. Try makeup instead of a mask. Masks can be uncomfortable and, more importantly, can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.

Dressed Up and Dangerous?
Halloween blood and gore are usually harmless, but sometimes dressing up as a superhero, scary monster or slimy alien—coupled with the excitement of Halloween—brings out aggressive behavior. Fake knives, swords and guns can accidentally hurt people so make sure they are made from flexible materials.

Halloween is a fun time, but it should also remain safe and free from any potential hazards by taking appropriate steps before, during, and after October 31st.

Change your clock - Change your battery
When you change your clock from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time on November 7, don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
    You should also:
  • Test your smoke detectors at least once a month
  • Vacuum your detectors at least once a year
  • Replace any detectors more than 10 years old