Stay Safe this Spooky Season

The start of October marks the beginning of spooky season! The City of Bellflower reminds families, drivers and homeowners to keep safety a top priority this Halloween. Whether you are decorating your home, trick-or-treating or passing out candy, a few simple precautions can help keep our community safe.

Home Decor Safety Tips
Halloween decorations set the mood, but some can pose risks. Keep these tips in mind:

• Use LED or battery-powered lights instead of real candles in jack-o'-lanterns and keep flammable decor at least three feet from heat sources.
• Remove obstacles such as cords, decorations or debris that may cause tripping.
• Only use outdoor-rated cords, avoid staples or nails that may damage wiring and make sure all lights and cords are UL-approved.

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
Costumes and candy make Halloween fun-but safety comes first:

• Choose flame-resistant, light-colored and reflective costumes to be more visible to drivers.
• Use face paint instead of masks for better visibility.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks and walk in well-lit groups on sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street.
• Only visit homes with outside lights on and never go inside to accept candy.
• Wait until you are home to inspect candy and throw away anything unwrapped or suspicious.

Driving Safety Tips
With more foot traffic on Halloween night, drivers should take extra care:

• Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped in the roadway, they could be dropping off children.
• Stay focused on the road-decoratons can be distracting, but keep your attention on driving.

To learn more about Halloween safety, please visit the Los Angeles County Sheriff's DepartmentHalloween Safety guide