Halloween & Dia de los Muertos Safety Tips
October 27, 2025 3:42 PM
Santa Monica – As we approach Halloween on, October 31st, and Dia de los Muertos on November 1st-2nd, it is important to remember that along with candy, costumes and a good scare, safety should remain at the top of the list. SMPD encourages everyone to have a fun and safe holiday by following these important safety tips.
Walk Safely
- Cross the street at intersections, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Look left, right, and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
- Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Plan Activities Wisely
- Provide adult supervision at all times for the youngest of your group.
- Remind older children that if not with an adult, to stay together and look out for each other.
- Avoid alleys or shortcuts and stay on parent/guardian approved routes.
- Attend a city-sponsored event like the Police Activities League Spooktacular Event that provides a family safe activity (http://www.smpal.org/) or on the 3rd Street Promenade (https://downtownsm.com/events-calendar)
Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- Avoid costumes that include makeshift or replica weapons.
Drive Safely
- Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
- Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
The Santa Monica Police Department encourages Santa Monica’s residents and visitors take this opportunity to plan for a fun and relaxed Halloween and Dia de los Muertos—make your celebrations full of treats and trouble free!