Police Halloween Safety Tips

It is important to keep our kids and community safe during Halloween.

As you are getting yourself and family ready for the spooky festivities, the Arizona Highway Patrol Association has a few tips to consider.

"Children can hardly wait to put on their costumes and fill up their bags with treats," stated Sgt. Jimmy Chavez, president of the Arizona Highway Patrol Association. "Unfortunately that excitement can sometimes make both children and adults forget to be careful while they're out having fun. "

Arizona Highway Patrol Association is offering the public these instructions for friends and family to stay out of danger this Halloween:

     - Teach children to yell and scream if anyone other than a parent or family member grabs at them, while making every effort to get away.

     - A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.

     - Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which you are familiar with. Remain on well-lit streets and use the sidewalks. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway. Never cut through alleys or sidewalks.

     - Check the sex offenders database so that you can avoid those houses, if applicable, in your neighborhood. Go to www.azsexoffender.org.

     - Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

     - Make sure you use a flashlight with new batteries.

     - Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

     - Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

     - Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

     - Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury. Also, beware that some masks can block light.

     - Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

     - Remember curfew and noise ordnance laws - police officer do enforce these.

If parents, friends and family follow these tips, the AHPA is sure that we will continue to keep our community safe. Founded in 1958, the AHPA's mission is to promote the positive role of Law Enforcement Professionals and to protect and secure rights and benefits for our members through effective representation with local, state and national governments.

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