Halloween can be scary if safety measures not followed

October 26, 2007
Santa Paula Police Department

Halloween is a big night for kids, but can be scary in ways that can give an ominous meaning to “Trick or Treat” if safety measures aren’t followed, according to a Santa Paula Police Department official.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesHalloween is a big night for kids, but can be scary in ways that can give an ominous meaning to “Trick or Treat” if safety measures aren’t followed, according to a Santa Paula Police Department official. Even costume shopping should concentrate on items that offer built-in protection.“We’re always concerned” that shoppers choose costumes made of reflective material, or select “light colored costumes so that they can be seen” easily in the darkness, said Chief Steve MacKinnon. Masks should be “open well enough so the kids have good vision all the way around, or the parents should consider using makeup” to easily ensure that vision is not impeded.In addition, the SPPD “strongly encourages adults to go with each group of kids so they can control them, and have at least one flashlight in each group. Trick or Treaters” must stay on the sidewalks, carefully cross streets, and avoid running into the street from in between parked vehicles. “And we caution drivers to drive extra slow... kids will be everywhere and could pop out in unexpected locations.”Parents should “discourage kids from eating candy until they get home... if anything looks suspicious they should call us. We have a special hotline that will hook us up with a candy company that will let us know if there is something” that would trigger SPPD concern.Fire safety is also a concern, and the Santa Paula Fire Department recommends that any handmade costumes be made from fire retardant material, and that costumes and accessories not present a trip hazard.
For those decorating their homes for a Halloween jolt, avoid using live candles in pumpkins... battery operated tea lights that work just as well are now easily obtained. If a pumpkin with a real candle is used for decoration, make sure it is out of the way and not placed so it could ignite the at times flowing costumes of anyone passing by.Yard or porch areas that children might be entering should be free of things that could be tripped over such as hoses, rakes or planters. Keep the porch light on, and turn it off when you’re done handing out goodies.Dogs - and cats for that matter - should be kept indoors and away from front doors.Those welcoming little goblins can consider handing out snack bars, small games and other non-candy items... kids love money, so change can be given to all but the smallest “Trick or Treaters.”Chief MacKinnon said that last year Halloween in Santa Paula went smoothly, with a few incidents of “pumpkins being stolen off of porches and left broken in the streets, some toilet paper streamers, eggs thrown... minor stuff.” For this October 31, the SPPD “will have extra officers on the street during that timeframe and later in the evening.” And, MacKinnon noted, “Hopefully, everyone will have a safe Halloween.”



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