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
[email protected]

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