Halloween & Dia de los Muertos Safety Tips

October 29, 2021 8:19 AM

Santa Monica, CA – As we approach Halloween, Sunday October 31st and Dia de los Muertos on Monday November 1st, it is important to remember that along with candy, costumes and a good scare, safety should remain at the top of the list. SMPD encourages everyone to have a fun and safe holiday by following these important safety tips.

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Plan Activities Wisely

• Provide adult supervision at all times for the youngest of your group.

• Remind older children that if not with an adult, to stay together and look out for each other.

• Avoid alleys or shortcuts and stay on parent/guardian approved routes.

• Attend a City sponsored event like the Police Activities League Trunk or Treat that provides a family safe activity (http://www.smpal.org/). 


Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.

• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

• Avoid costumes that include makeshift or replica weapons.

Drive Safely

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.

Follow State Covid Suggestions

• Visit https://covid19.ca.gov/holidays/

Media Contact

Rudy Flores
Captain
Rudy.Flores@SMGOV.NET

Departments

Police