Photo by Flickr user Terry.Tyson/ Creative Commons
Photo by Flickr user  Terry.Tyson/ Creative Commons
Photo by Flickr user Terry.Tyson/ Creative Commons

Whether you celebrate Halloween by dressing up in your favorite costume, trick-or-treating or handing out candy, there are various safety precautions to be aware of.

As a result of high pedestrian and vehicle traffic, an increase in accidents are reported on Halloween night, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

To avoid such accidents and be aware of other safety measures tonight, here are some tips issued by LAPD.

Trick-or-Treating

  • A parent or adult should always accompany young children to the door of every house they approach
  • Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard
  • Children should use a flashlight with fresh batteries so they can see and be seen by others
  • Children should carry a glow stick or wear reflective clothing
  • Keep away from open fires and candles
  • Children should be warned to NEVER approach any house that is not well lit and does not have a porch or “outside” light on.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys

Traffic Safety

  • The biggest cause of injury to kids on Halloween night is traffic accidents
  • Drive slowly and watch for children crossing the street
  • Always walk. Never run across a street
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks
  • Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway
  • Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will

After Trick-or-Treating

  • All treats are to be thoroughly examined by adults
  • Throw away candy if the package is already opened
  • Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children
  • A good meal before trick-or-treating will discourage children from eating too many Halloween treats

Click here to read more safety tips.

My background: I was born in Mexico and raised in Boyle Heights, where I got my start in journalism by launching a community blog. Most recently, I worked at the Los Angeles Times and have spent most of my career covering local news in LA, with a focus on community-centered stories, Latino communities and mentoring emerging writers.

What I do: I lead coverage of Boyle Heights and East LA across all platforms to inform, connect and uplift our community. I spend my days listening, planning, editing and coordinating to make sure our stories reflect the community fairly, while supporting and mentoring my team of reporters and freelancers so they can grow along the way.

Why LA?: It’s home. It’s the sounds of Spanglish and other languages, the smell of tacos and kimchi, the way street art tells stories and how, even though I hate traffic, I love how the freeways can take me to the beach or the mountains on a whim.

The best way to contact me: My email is jessica.perez@boyleheightsbeat.org.

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