Prevention Tips
Holiday Safety Tips
Holidays are special times to be shared with family and friends. Protect yourself and loved ones by following these safety tips.
Halloween Safety
- Have your children wear light- or bright-colored clothing, or reflective tape so they can easily be seen.
- Make sure their costumes fit well. Oversized costumes and footwear can cause them to trip and fall.
- Make sure hats can’t slide over their eyes, and if they wear masks, that they fit securely and have eye holes that are large enough for full vision.
- If they wear face make-up, apply only nontoxic and hypoallergenic paint or cosmetics.
- Don’t let them wear costumes with excessive fabric. Loose clothing can brush up against a jack-o-lantern or other open flame and cause costumes to catch on fire.
- If they carry props such as swords or knives, have them carry flexible ones. Inflexible ones can cause serious injury if they fall on them.
- Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Attach a tag with their name, address, and phone number to their clothes in case they get separated. It is better if they trick-or-treat during daylight.
- Older children should trick-or-treat with friends. It is more fun and safer. They should carry cell phones and flashlights, have a curfew, tell you where they are going, go only to familiar, nearby neighborhoods, only visit homes with porch lights on, and remain within view from the street.
- Remind your children to stay on sidewalks and otherwise walk facing traffic. And only cross streets at intersections and look both ways before crossing.
- Tell your children not to eat any treats they collect, but to bring them home for you to examine for holes, punctures, etc. Throw away any treats that are homemade or unwrapped.
- If your child has food allergies, read all labels giving them any treats to eat.
- Feed your children a snack or light meal before trick-or-treating so they won’t get hungry and sample some treats they collect.
- If any treats look suspicious, call the SDPD on its non-emergency number (619) 531-2000 or (858) 484-3154.
Christmas/Hanukkah Season Safety
At Home
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even if you will only be gone for a minute.
- Don't put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
- When going on trips or out for evenings, use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off to make it appear you are home.
- Immediately after the holidays, mark new gifts with your California Driver's License or ID number.
- Don't advertise what you got for Christmas by putting the boxes out on trash day. Break the boxes down or take them to the dump yourself.
When Shopping
- Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk before you park, never after you park. Thieves may be watching.
- Don't overload yourself with packages.
- If you must shop in the evening, shop with a friend.
- Park in well-lighted areas, as close as possible to store entrances. Be particularly aware of persons in the parking lot, especially near your car.
- Lock your car and make sure the windows are closed.
- Carry only the charge cards you will need. Don't carry large sums of cash.
- Carry purses next to your body with the purse flap against you. Carry wallets in front or inside pockets.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don't allow your attention to become distracted from your purse or packages.
- Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated in a store or shopping mall.
- Don't hesitate to notify store security if you see suspicious activity.
- If you have to wait for a ride, wait in a busy, well-lighted place.
- If you are a victim of a crime, call 911 to report it police immediately.
Summer Safety
For Summer Fun Tips visit the Lifeguard Service web site.