Police Encourage Halloween Safety

Halloween is finally upon us and the Newport Beach Police Department wants the community to work together so everyone remains safe.

Kathy Lowe, police spokeswoman, says while there are no DUI checkpoints scheduled for tonight, officers will be looking for drunken drivers.

"Officers will continue our ongoing efforts to identify and arrest impaired drivers, Lowe said.

In addition, the department will have volunteers on the streets helping keep the trick-or-treaters safe.

"Newport Beach Police Volunteers will be present in the Harborview and Newport Hills neighborhoods to assist with pedestrian traffic as children and families trick-or-treat together," Lowe explained.

Here's how you can help:

1. Be sure older children take friends and younger children are accompanied by a trusted adult when Trick-or-treating.
2. Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach and make sure parents and guardians are familiar with every home and all people from which the children receive treats.
3. Children should never enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.
4. Children should never approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
5. Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and at night.
6. Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
7. Children should never approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.
8. Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, guardians, and/or the proper authority.
9. Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene; loudly yell “This person is not my father/mother/guardian”; and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
10. Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to Trick-or-Treating.