Halloween Safety

Halloween is almost here! The Cœur d’Alene Police Department is promoting Halloween safety in our community. The following are basic safety tips provided by The Inland Automobile Association (AAA) and The National Confectioners Association. These tips show youngsters and parents how to practice safe trick-or-treating and enjoy the Halloween observance.

• Wear light colored clothing; even better, wear something that is retro-reflective. Keep the clothing short enough to prevent tripping.
• Make sure children can see well through face masks, Avoid wearing masks which can block vision, or use makeup.
• Trick-or-treat during the daylight. If you must trick-or-treat at night, carry a flashlight. Adults should always accompany young children.
• Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know or attend community-sponsored events.
• Travel with a parent, older sibling, or a group of children.
• Watch for traffic. Cross streets carefully, at corners, never in the middle of the block, especially between parked vehicles.
• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy. Never eat candy before an adult has had a chance to inspect it.
• Keep costumed children away from pets. The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened.
• Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber, which is soft and flexible.
• Motorists need to slow down. Try driving five miles–per-hour slower than the posted speed limit. Be extra alert to children crossing the street.
• Turn your headlights on. Even in daylight, headlights will make your vehicle more visible.

The community is reminded posted speed limits will be strictly enforced. Safety is a major concern during Halloween, as youngsters share streets with vehicles while trick-or-treating. Drivers are asked to be mindful of the many children out in the community during the evening. Parents can access the police department website at www.cdapolice.com and research the sex offender data base in order to make informed decisions about where your child will trick or treat.

From: Sergeant Christie Wood, Public Information Officer, Coeur d’Alene Police Department