Palm Desert Halloween Safety: Important Reminders From Police

PALM DESERT, CA — Palm Desert police want adults and children to have a safe and fun Halloween this Tuesday and to help make that happen, the police department issued the following news release:

It’s that time of year again when the ghosts, ghouls, and superheroes come out and enjoy the Halloween spirit! Our primary concern on Halloween, and any other time, is the safety of children. Across Palm Desert, children are preparing to dress up as their favorite characters and walk neighborhoods looking to score a bag full of treats. With that in mind, the Palm Desert Police would like to share the following safety tips to keep Halloween safe for all families in our Palm Desert community as they begin their “trick or treat” adventure.
Kids

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult and older children should never trick or treat alone.
• Visit homes that are well lit and never go inside a stranger’s house.
• Always stay on the sidewalk and only cross at corners; never cross in the middle of the street.
• Trick or treat in well populated areas and never cut through alleys or parks for a short cut.
• Do not eat candy that has not been inspected by a parent/guardian.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.
• Map out your route and carry a flashlight with you.
• Call 9-1-1 for all suspicious or illegal activity.

Parents/Guardians

• Do not let children eat any homemade treats or unpackaged foods.
• Make sure all candy is tightly wrapped, look for pin holes, discoloring, and opened packaging prior to your children eating any of the items.
• Poison Control has a toll-free hotline 1-800-222-1222.
• DRIVE SLOW!!! Be cautious in all neighborhoods for children and parents crossing streets.
• The posted speed limit is usually 25 mph in most residential areas.
• Call 9-1-1 for all suspicious or illegal activity.

Halloween can be a safe and enjoyable evening with a little preparation, communication and diligence. Palm Desert Police patrol officers will be available to you and your children should you need us. Extra officers will be out patrolling the streets to keep the children safe and to enforce traffic laws. The Palm Desert Police Department wishes everyone a safe and Happy Halloween and reminds all to never drink and drive.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone