Halloween & Día de los Muertos Safety Tips from SMPD
October 14, 2026 12:31 PM
Santa Monica, Calif. – With Halloween on Saturday, October 31, and Día de los Muertos observed November 1–2, the Santa Monica Police Department encourages residents and visitors to plan ahead for safe celebrations. Whether trick-or-treating, attending community events or gathering to honor loved ones, a few simple precautions can help everyone enjoy the holiday weekend.
Walk Safely
- Use sidewalks whenever available. Cross at intersections and marked crosswalks, and follow traffic signals.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Put phones and other electronic devices away. Keep your head up and walk, rather than run, across the street.
- Teach children to make sure drivers have stopped before stepping into the roadway. Making eye contact can help, but does not guarantee a driver sees them.
- Watch for vehicles turning or backing up. Never dart into the street or cross between parked cars.
Plan Activities Wisely
- Have a responsible adult accompany young children.
- If older children will be out without an adult, agree on a route, return time and check-in plan. Remind them to stay together.
- Choose familiar, well-lit routes and avoid alleys or shortcuts.
- Remind children to approach only homes with porch lights on and never enter a home or vehicle to receive treats.
- Review available activities through Santa Monica PAL and Downtown Santa Monica’s event calendar. Confirm dates, times and locations before heading out.
- Have an adult inspect treats before children eat them, and check labels for food allergies.
Keep Costumes Creative and Safe
- Add reflective tape or stickers to costumes and treat bags. Choose lighter colors when possible.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks to help everyone see and be seen.
- Choose costumes that fit properly and do not drag on the ground.
- Make sure masks, hats and other accessories do not block vision.
- Avoid costumes that include makeshift or realistic replica weapons.
Drive Safely
- Slow down and stay especially alert in residential neighborhoods and near community events. Children may move unpredictably.
- Watch carefully for pedestrians at intersections, crosswalks and between parked vehicles.
- Enter and exit driveways, parking areas and alleys slowly.
- Put your phone away and eliminate distractions so you can focus on the road.
- Use headlights as daylight fades, and expect increased pedestrian traffic throughout the holiday weekend.
- If your celebration includes alcohol, arrange a sober driver or another safe ride home.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos Safely
- Use battery-operated candles when possible. Keep open flames away from decorations, costumes and other flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.
- Keep walkways and exits clear around ofrendas, displays and gathering areas.
- At crowded events, choose a meeting place in case your group becomes separated and keep young children close.
SMPD wishes everyone a safe Halloween and a meaningful Día de los Muertos. Look out for one another and help keep our streets and celebrations safe.
Media Contact
Myesha Morrison
Public Information Coordinator
Myesha.Morrison@santamonica.gov