Halloween Safety Tips

Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager

Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 10 a.m.

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and Spokane Police Department (SPD) want everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween. Public safety officials from both departments recommend that families plan children's Halloween activities by teaching and practicing basic everyday safety. Those basic safety elements include not getting into cars with people they do not know, not talking to strangers, being visible to motorists, keeping all decorations away from open flames and watching both ways before crossing streets.

To help everyone celebrate safely below are a few Halloween safety tips:

  • Heads Up, Phones Down: Don’t Be Distracted. Put electronic devices down and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Driver Safety: Motorists should slow down, use extra caution and watch for children and families walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
  • Pedestrian Safety: Go over pedestrian safety rules with kids before heading out. Be careful crossing streets and look both directions to make sure no cars are coming. Always use crosswalks and sidewalks. Where no sidewalk is present, stick close to the curb and walk facing the direction of traffic.
  • Adult Supervision: Children should not trick or treat alone and should be taught to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Instruct children not to eat treats until they return home and families have had a chance to inspect those treats.
  • Be Visible: Costumes should be light, bright and clearly visible to motorists. Carry a flashlight or glow stick and/or wear reflective tape.
  • Costume Safety: Costumes, masks, beards and wigs should be flame resistant. Make sure the costume does not obstruct vision.
  • Home Fire Safety: Do not leave candles unattended. Try flameless candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns. Keep decorations away from candles, light bulbs or heaters. Keep exits clear of decorations.

The Spokane Police and Fire Departments are dedicated to making sure our community is safe each day of the year. For more Halloween safety tips visit the National Fire Protection Association at http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/halloween-safety or the National Safety Council at http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/halloween-safety.aspx.