City Of Irving: Trick-Or-Treating Safety Tips

Press release from the City of Irving:

October 20, 2021

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Carry glow sticks or flashlights to help children see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size and the shoes are comfortable and well-fitting to prevent trips and falls. 

Trick-or-Treat With an Adult

• Children 12 years and younger should not be alone at night without adult supervision. 
• Avoid long paths by mapping out a route before leaving the house. Stick to paths that are familiar to avoid getting lost.

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before crossing. 
• Put electronic devices down, keep head up and walk, do not run, across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. 

Drive Safely

• Slow down and stay alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for children during those hours.

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Carry glow sticks or flashlights to help children see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size and the shoes are comfortable and well-fitting to prevent trips and falls. 

• Children 12 years and younger should not be alone at night without adult supervision. 
• Avoid long paths by mapping out a route before leaving the house. Stick to paths that are familiar to avoid getting lost.

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again before crossing. 
• Put electronic devices down, keep head up and walk, do not run, across the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. 

• Slow down and stay alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for children during those hours.

This press release was produced by the City of Irving. The views expressed here are the author’s own.