Be careful out there, and have a safe Halloween

Pacifica Tribune, 10/30/13.  "Halloween safety tips from the Pacifica Police Department."

"With Halloween tomorrow, the Pacifica Police Department would like to remind our citizens of some safety tips to consider to promote a happy, safe Halloween: 

Happy Halloween !

Instruct your children to bring all candy home before eating it so that you can carefully inspect it for tampering.  Children shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go -- don't send them out on an empty stomach.

Tell children not to accept -- and, especially, not to eat -- anything that isn't commercially wrapped. Throw out candy or treats that are homemade, unwrapped or if they appear to have been tampered with (pinholes in wrappers, torn wrappers, etc.)  Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect for holes, including small punctures, and cut open before allowing children to eat it.

Wear reflective material and carry a flashlight when walking at night. Drive carefully, and be prepared for the high number of pedestrians that will be out during the evening hours. If going to an adult Halloween party, make sure that you don't drink and drive. Use a designated driver if alcoholic beverages are being consumed.

As always, the Pacifica Police Department encourages citizens to contact the department by dialing 911 or 650-738-7314 to report suspicious activity. The men and women of the Pacifica Police Department wish our citizens a happy, safe Halloween."

Related - Center for environmental health.  Note:  graphic from this article. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh