Gainesville public safety agencies share Halloween safety tips

Published on October 29, 2024

As Halloween approaches, Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) and Gainesville Police Department (GPD) emphasize the importance of pedestrian safety as part of the City of Gainesville’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians, especially children who trick-or-treat in neighborhoods where streets remain open to traffic. Between 2011 and 2020, more child pedestrians died in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

To help our community celebrate safely, GFR and GPD have developed a list of Halloween tips.

Use reflective gear and carry flashlights: Equip children with reflective items like glow bracelets or stickers, and ensure they carry flashlights or use a smartphone flashlight to stay visible to drivers in dark areas.

Be aware of traffic: Halloween means more pedestrians and vehicles on the road. Be cautious, use crosswalks wherever available and follow traffic signals. Before crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers. Avoid distractions like smartphones. If your teen is driving, remind them to watch for pedestrians.

Stick to well-lit areas: Trick-or-treat in well-lit areas. Avoid dimly lit streets or areas with limited visibility to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure others can see you clearly.

Stay in groups: Younger children should remain with an adult, while teenagers are encouraged to go in groups. Having companions improves safety. Set a designated meeting point in case anyone gets separated.

Choose safe costumes: Select costumes that are flame-resistant, well-fitted, and do not obstruct vision. Avoid long costumes that could cause tripping and use non-toxic makeup instead of masks to prevent restricted breathing or visibility.

Examine treats before eating: Parents should inspect treats and discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items.

Avoid stranger danger: Remind children not to enter unfamiliar homes or vehicles. Encourage them to trust their instincts and immediately report any suspicious behavior to a trusted adult or the authorities.

Keep emergency contacts handy: Make sure children have emergency contacts saved on their phones, including parent or guardian numbers and the local emergency hotline. In case of an emergency, they should know how to reach out for help.

By following these tips, families can enjoy a fun-filled night while keeping safety a top priority.

The City of Gainesville wishes everyone a safe and spooktacular Halloween!