Halloween & Dia de los Muertos Safety Tips
October 26, 2023 6:13 PM
Santa Monica, CA – As we approach Halloween, Tuesday October 31st and Dia de los Muertos on Wednesday, 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 Spooktacular Event 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 the 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.
Media Contact
Myesha Morrison
Public Information Coordinator
Myesha.Morrison@santamonica.gov