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HPD Offers Halloween Safety Tips

October 25, 2005 -- With Halloween fast approaching, the Houston Police Department wants to remind parents of some do's and don'ts of personal safety when you take your little ghost and goblins out trick-or-treating.

The safest way to celebrate Halloween is to participate in an organized event coordinated by a local school or church. For those who still want to observe the day in the traditional manner, the Houston Police Department suggests following these tips:

- Children should wear light-colored costumes with reflective tape for better visibility and short enough to prevent tripping.

- Children should be able to see properly through a mask.

- Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times, should stay within their neighborhood, and only visit homes of people they know.

- Stay on sidewalks, obey traffic signals and don't cut across yards or driveways.

- Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.

- Carry a flashlight after sunset.

- Adults should examine all candy or treats at home before allowing children to eat them. If any candy appears to be tampered with, it should be thrown away.

- Keep costumed children away from pets since the animals might panic and not recognize the child.

- Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Foam rubber is a good substitute.

Remember; we owe it to our children to help keep them safe.

AW/MS10-25-05

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.