Halloween should be full of treats, not unexpected scares. The City of Paramount encourages families to look beyond candy safety and watch for common hazards like traffic, costume mishaps and food allergies.
Stay Safe on the Streets
Pedestrian safety is one of Halloween’s biggest concerns. Research has found that the risk of pedestrian fatalities increases on Halloween evening, especially for young children.
For trick-or-treaters:
- Use sidewalks and cross at corners or crosswalks.
- Carry a flashlight or glow stick to stay visible.
- Choose costumes that fit properly and don’t block vision or drag on the ground.
- Add reflective tape or lights to costumes and bags.
For drivers: Slow down in residential neighborhoods and watch carefully for children crossing the street.
Check Costumes and Candy
Before heading out, choose flame-resistant costumes and avoid masks that limit visibility.
When the candy haul comes home:
- Discard treats that are unsealed, spoiled or look suspicious.
- Watch for choking hazards, such as hard candies, gum and nuts, especially for young children.
- Check ingredient labels for every treat if your child has food allergies. Even fun-size candy may contain different ingredients than full-size versions.
Candy tampering is extremely rare, but checking treats is still a good precaution.
Enjoy a Safer Halloween
A little preparation can help Paramount families spend less time worrying and more time enjoying Halloween. Stay alert, look out for one another and make sure everyone gets home safely with plenty of spooky memories! For ongoing neighborhood concerns or general questions, call the Public Safety Department at (562) 220-2002.
