To help ensure this Halloween is a safe and happy holiday for you and your children,
here are some things to be aware of.

Costume Suggestions:

• Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls and other bumps in the night.
• Wear light or bright colored costumes and use light reflective tape.
• Children shouldn't wear a mask; it restricts vision. If a mask must be worn, cut large eye holes. Make-up is much safer than a mask because it doesn't obstruct vision.
• Toy weapons, wands, brooms, etc. should be made of paper or cardboard; they are safer than plastic, wood or metal.
• Put the child's name, address and phone number on the inside of their costume in case of an accident or lost child.
• Children should wear comfortable shoes; poor-fitting shoes are uncomfortable and may cause a fall.
• Trick or Treat bags should not be too large; they can obscure vision or cause your child to trip.
• Make sure wigs and costumes are flame retardent.

Trick or Treat Safely:

• Eat a full meal prior to going out so he/she won't be tempted to eat treats before they can be properly checked out. Tell your children not to eat treats until you have checked them out.
• Set a time limit for children to trick-or-treat.  Plan your child's route and visit only homes in your neighborhood that are well lighted
• Remind them not to take short cuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
• Travel in a group or with an adult; never enter a home. Do not let children go alone.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Cross streets at corners, never from between two vehicles.
• When crossing a street, STOP and LOOK both ways before crossing streets and LISTEN.
• Walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
• Watch for cars driving into or backing out of driveways.

Treats -- Give Them A Safety Check:

• One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging into the candy is to feed them a meal or substantial snack beforehand.
• Check for holes or loose wrappers, pour powdered candy into a container and look for discoloration or lumps.
• Don't eat opened candy, fruit, etc., unless you know the person it came from.
• Wash fruit, then cut into bite-size pieces.
• Soft candy should also be cut up into pieces before eating.
• Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you are absolutely sure they came from a safe source.
• Some hospitals will x-ray treat bag contents. Check with your local hospital for additional information.
• If any problems arise, call the Mesa Police Department at (480) 644-2211.

Tricks: Tell Your Children...

• Remember, Halloween is a good time for dangerous strangers, so be careful.
• Don't play pranks.  Damaging other peoples' property is considered vandalism and is a crime.
• If your child is the victim of a crime (stolen candy, intimidation, threats, etc.) either talk to the suspect's parents, or call the police if you wish to prosecute.

"Unhaunting" Your Home and Neighborhood:

• Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights.
• Do not light candles around the walkways. If you would like luminaries or to light a jack-o-lantern, use a battery operated light source or glow stick.
• Keep walkways unobstructed and well lit.
• Don't let anyone you don't know into your home.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard to visitors.
• 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.

Safe Alternatives:

• Trick or Treat in a local shopping mall.
• Attend community sponsored events. Watch newspapers for additional information.
• Host a family party.
• Join your neighbors for a theme block party.

Mesa Police Department Crime Prevention Unit ~ (480) 644-2300, option 5