Information to Help You and Your Family Have a Safe and Fun Halloween
Halloween is nearly upon us, and that means people both young and old will be dressing up and heading out into the night.
Whether it’s going door to door to collect treats or maybe hitting a costume party, Halloween is a holiday that includes fun for everyone.
A Bit of “History” on Halloween
The word Halloween is a shortening of the term “All Hallows Eve.” This day falls on October 31st and is the night before “All Saints Day” on November 1st.
Historically, Halloween was dates back to the days of the ancient Celts. They believed that on the day of October 31st, the worlds of the living and the dead would overlap, and the spirits of the dead would arise and cause trouble for the living by way of sickness and disease, or even damaging their recently harvested crops.
In an attempt to appease, mimic or even frighten evil spirits away, masks and makeshift costumes would be donned by the living. This tradition has lasted until today, even if the purpose has been somewhat altered.
Practicing Halloween Safety
With a holiday that has so many people out and about, it’s important to remember to keep yourself and your family safe. The LASD often sees an increase in the number of DUI arrests around this time, and will often set up DUI Checkpoints at various locations around the city.
As far as kids go, it’s always best to accompany them as they go house to house in search of candy, and don’t let them stay out too late! As the night wears on, the risk of running into inhibited drivers and other ne’er-do-wells increases.
If you’re a parent, you already know what can be fun for your young trick or treaters, may be worrisome for you. The LAPD and LASD have some tips that will help keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way:
Adults
- Welcome trick-or-treaters with porch lights on so visiting kids can avoid tripping.
- Patrol your street to discourage speeding/drunk drivers and anyone who might want to accost children.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police department. It’s okay to dial 911 — better safe than sorry.
- Do not hand out, or let children eat homemade or unwrapped treats; make sure you trust the person who provides them.
- Light your jack-o-lanterns with safety lights rather than candles
- Create a safe trick-or treating route in your neighborhood and set a time limit for your children to “trick-or-treat.”
- Make sure that your children have flashlights to light their way.
Kids
- Make sure your costumes are flame retardant.
- Keep your costumes short to prevent trips and falls.
- Try make-up instead of a mask. Masks can obstruct your vision.
- Try to wear light colors or put reflective tape on your costumes.
- Do not go inside anyone’s home without adult supervision. Remain on porches at all times.
- Do not accept rides from strangers.
- Cross only at street corners, never between parked cars, and never diagonally across an intersection.
Drivers
- Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle on Halloween night.
- Be on the alert for excited youngsters, whose vision may be obscured by masks and who may dart out between parked cars.
- If you plan on drinking, make sure you elect a designated driver. The Police and Sheriff Department will be out in force on Halloween!
We hope this information on practicing Halloween safety is helpful to you and your family, and wish you all a happy, fun and safe Halloween!
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