Hays Police Department

Halloween is fast approaching, and soon our streets will be full of ghosts and goblins. The Hays Police Department would like to offer the following safety tips for parents, children and drivers, which will help to make Halloween a safe event for all.

Adults
Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights and any exterior lights on.
Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Hays Police Department immediately.

Motorists
Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. Be on the alert for excited children (whose vision may be obscured by masks) darting out into traffic.

Things Parents Should Tell Trick-Or-Treaters.
Never trick-or-treat alone. Have at least two buddies go together for the entire evening.
Set a time limit for your children to “trick-or-treat,” and designate a specific route for them to take. An adult should accompany any younger children.
Carry a flashlight or a glow stick if out after dark.
Cross only at street corners, never between parked cars, and look in all directions before crossing the street.
Do not go inside anyone’s home – wait on the porch at all times.

In addition to the above suggestions, when deciding what to wear for a Halloween costume, children and parents should consider that the costume should be easily seen if out after dark and that it does not restrict the child’s vision.

Remembering these basic safety rules this Halloween will help everybody have fun while staying SAFE!