• Set rules about not eating treats until your children are home. Inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
• Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely.
• Remember drivers have a hard time seeing people, especially at dusk.
• Never cross the street from between parked cars.
• Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they present a fire hazard for costumes and long wigs. Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
• Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
• Don't enter any homes unless you know the people.
• Carry a spare Halloween bag -- in case it breaks or your original one is filled.
• Make sure fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or worse - having them mistaken for the real thing.
• Don't cut across yards. Use sidewalks and stay out of back yards.
• Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk or cross at mid-block.
• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
Public Information Office: (512) 974-5017 715 E. 8th St. Austin, Texas 78701
www.ci.austin.tx.us/police
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be polite and say "thank you."

It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters.

There are some very simple steps to make the evening safe for everyone.
• Turn on your porch light.
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