Austin Police Issue Halloween Safety Tips

AUSTIN, TX — Ahead of Halloween, the Austin Police Department released a series of safety tips parents can take to ensure their children's safety.

• Know your trick-or-treater's route.
• Take a flashlight.
• Be sure costumes, shoes, and treat bags are safe.
• Remind children not to enter a stranger's home or car.
• Set rules about not eating treats until your children are home. Inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
• Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely and discretion used as to whether to consume.
• Remember drivers have a hard time seeing people, especially at dusk.
• Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they present a fire hazard for costumes and long wigs. Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
• Only visit well-lit houses. Do not stop at dark houses.
• Don't enter any homes unless you know the people.
• Carry a spare Halloween bag -- in case it breaks or your original one is filled.
• Make sure fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or having them mistaken for the real thing.

• Don't cut across yards. Use sidewalks and stay out of back yards.
• Follow traffic signals and do not jaywalk or cross at mid-block.
• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be polite and say "thank you."

"It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters," police added. "There are some very simple steps to make the evening safe for everyone."

• Turn on your porch light.
• Move lit jack-o-lanterns to a safe area for fire safety. Kids often trick-or-treat in groups and the area may get congested.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
• Drive slowly all evening. You never know what little “creature” may suddenly cross your path.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.

For adults celebrating Halloween, there are some things to consider when wearing that "perfect" costume.

• Make sure any accessories, such as fake guns, knives, and other potentially dangerous items are not mistaken for the real thing.
• Fire safety and visibility are important for adult costumes. Apply the same standards to adult costumes as you do to your children's.
• Remember adults that are dressed up can be scary to young children.

Taking such safety precautions doesn't mean fun can't be had on Halloween nigh, police suggested: "The Austin Police Department wishes everyone a safe and fun Halloween," they added in a postscript to their press advisory.

Related story: Austin Sex Offender Map Shows Homes To Avoid Halloween 2018

Police provided a presentation via Twitter related to Halloween safety: