Halloween Tips
Keeping safe this Halloween
Safety is being stressed this Halloween by the Porterville Police Department (PPD) and Sierra View District Hospital. In order to keep residents safe the Porterville Police Department is placing extra officers out on the street today.
“[We are] putting out extra officers in each sector,” said McMillan, who added that plainclothes police officers will also be out. According to McMillan, officers will keep an eye on where sex registrants live. A month ago police conducted their annual Operation Boo where they check on registered sex offenders to ensure they are not participating in Halloween. By law, registered sex offenders are not to hand out candy or even have outside lights on tonight.
Safety tips from McMillan include costume tips.
McMillan pointed out that parents should use flashlights when trick-or-treating with their kids, who should wear bright clothing, and should keep an eye on their kids.
“If you have a lot of children in the group, have enough adults to supervise them correctly,” stated McMillan.
Another area of concern for the PPD this Halloween is traffic.
“[The issue] we deal with most is people showing up, stopping in the middle of the street and letting kids bail. We see a lot of this on Westwood and Morton,” explained McMillan who reminded residents to obey all traffic laws and to pull to the side of the road, park and then unload the occupants.
As to the candy aspect of Halloween, he would like all parents to inspect their children’s candy.
“Make sure there is nothing suspicious,” said McMillan, who added that there will be candy available at the police department office until 9 p.m.
Ramona Contreras, director of marketing and community relations at Sierra View District, stresses other safety points including a tip for young trick-or-treaters.
“Check trick or treat bags for choking hazards like gum, peanuts, hard candy and small toys. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers,” said Contreras.
According to halloweensafety.com trick or treating should take place in groups of two or more and they should only visit houses where the lights are on. Costumes should be made of flame retardant material.
