SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN FROM THE NYPD
- Trick-or-treaters always should have adult supervision, even if they are traveling in a group of friends.
- An adult always should examine Halloween treats before children eat them. Never eat open or unwrapped Halloween foods.
- Costumes should be flame-retardant and should allow children to walk freely without tripping.
- Children's ability to see, hear and move should not be impaired by unwieldy masks.
- Make certain that any face paint or make-up used on skin or costumes is non-toxic.
- Extra care should be taken on streets and at crossings, especially at dusk and after dark.
- Children should carry a flashlight and wear reflective or bright colored clothing at night.
- Emergency identification information should be placed discreetly inside clothing of small children, in case of accidental separation.
- Avoid having children wear their names outwardly on clothing or jewelry which may allow a stranger to call them by name and appear to know them.
- As always, children should be cautioned to avoid strangers, as well as poorly-lit areas and homes of people they do not know.
- Halloween treats only should be consumed if they are packaged appropriately. Parents can help protect their children by making sure that treats are wrapped in their original, unbroken packages - no loose candy, open glasses or bottles, fresh fruit or homemade goods.
If after eating a Halloween treat there is evidence that it may have been tampered with, or it has a strange taste or if a child feels sick, parents or guardians can call the NYC Health Department's Poison Control Center. The Poison Control Center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, for emergencies and advice at (212) POISONS (764-7667), (212) VENENOS (836-3667) for Spanish language speakers, or
(212) 689-9014 for TDD users. The national toll free number,
1-800-222-1222, connects to the nearest poison control center.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 (NON-EMERGENCY, DIAL 311). Help us fight terrorism, report suspicious activity to the
COUNTER TERRORISM HOTLINE: 1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233).