Holiday safety comes first

Deepa Bharath

Parents and children must work together to make sure that the “night

of horrors,” which is supposed to be fun, exciting and rewarding for

children, doesn’t turn into a nightmare, officials said.

With Halloween just around the corner, both police departments and

the school district have sent out a joint letter to parents in the

two cities to exercise caution so children can trick-or-treat safely.

Newport Beach has more units on patrol on Halloween Day, Sgt.

Steve Shulman said.

“We have additional officers to watch for the kids as well as the

crime,” he said.

A common problem in Newport Beach every year is trick-or-treaters

sometimes turning into vandals, Shulman said.

“Parents need to tell their children about respecting other

people’s property and make sure they don’t have any materials they

can use to vandalize, such as shaving cream or eggs,” he said.

Costa Mesa hasn’t seen anything drastic on Halloween Day over the

years, Lt. Dale Birney said.

“We haven’t seen a spike in traffic accidents on that day,” he

said. “The most common calls we get are relating to parties, noise

and disturbance.”

The most important step parents can take is to know where their

children are, Shulman said.

“They should set reasonable hours for trick-or-treating,” he said.

“We’ll be enforcing the 10 p.m. curfew for those below 18 years of

age, as well.”

Common sense is the best way to go, Shulman said.

“Be very careful with the candy,” he said. “Do not accept

unwrapped candy, and make sure the children carry flashlights if

they’re wearing dark clothes.”

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

* Trick or Treat in a group of two or more and only in

well-lighted areas accompanied by a parent or adult

* Stay on sidewalks and look both ways when crossing the street

* Don’t allow your child to enter any house

* Inspect all treats before they are eaten

* Makeup is safer than a mask, which can obscure vision

* Costumes and wigs should be flame-resistant

* Reflective strips and bright clothing will increase visibility;

take a flashlight, too.

* Props or items that children carry should be made of cardboard

so they won’t injure your child if he or she falls down

* Know your children’s plans and what their route will be so you

can find them if needed