Halloween Safety
Halloween is fun for people of all ages, but it's important that you and your children remain safe. The MPD provides safety tips for individuals wishing to go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. MPD-sponsored events are also held in each of the seven police districts.
Carving pumpkins: carve pumpkins on a flat, stable surface with good lighting. Small children should never carve pumpkins. Instead, they can help by drawing faces with markers while a parent does the cutting. Older children carving pumpkins should always be supervised.
While trick or treating, children should…
- Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame-retardant.
- Wear comfortable shoes that the child is less likely to trip in.
- Have their name, address, and parents’ phone number attached to their costume.
- Use face paint (non-toxic, hypoallergenic) instead of masks, especially if the eye holes obstruct the child’s vision.
- Avoid long, baggy, or loose costumes that children might trip over, or floppy hats or wigs that slide over the eyes.
- Avoid toy weapons; if desired, use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid.
- Stay away from pets while in costume. The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened.
- Stay within familiar areas and surroundings. Parents should establish a route for children.
- Use flashlights, stay on the sidewalks, and use crosswalks to cross the street.
- Travel in small groups and be accompanied by parents or an authorized adult chaperone.
- Never go into homes while trick or treating – stay on porch or stoop, within eyesight of adult chaperone.
- Never talk to strangers or get into strangers’ cars.
- Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them. When children get home, parents should discard all unwrapped or loosely wrapped candy or fruit. If you have any questions about suspicious looking treats, call the police department.