Halloween will be celebrated this year in Mentor on Wednesday, October 31st between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The Mentor Police Department will have maximum staffing during the designated hours. Please remember these common sense rules so everyone can enjoy a safe Halloween. If you have to drive on neighborhood streets be extra cautious of children who may dart out into the street unexpectedly.

Halloween Safety Tips

1. Instruct older children to go “Trick or Treating” with a group of friends. Advised them to stay in familiar neighborhoods and agree on a time they are to be home or meet you.

2. Make sure a TRUSTED ADULT, an older child, or you accompany your younger children when “Trick or Treating.” A trusted adult is a person you as the parents/guardians have come to rely on and with whom you and your children feel comfortable. Discuss with your child who will accompany him or her and make sure you are both comfortable with the choice.

3. Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach. Become familiar with each home your child visits and the people who are providing Halloween treats to your children.

4. Teach your children not to enter homes without your prior permission and only approach homes that are well-lit both inside and outside.

5. Teach your children to NEVER approach a vehicle unless you are with them even if it appears no one is inside the vehicle.

6. Make sure your children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. Consider non-toxic face paint as an alternative to masks that can obscure eyesight. Make sure the costume is not too long that may cause your child to trip and fall. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.

7. Make sure your children wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or glow stick when traveling during the evening hours.

8. Teach your children to always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Always use sidewalks or on streets with no sidewalks, children should walk facing traffic off the roadway in the berm if possible. Children should cross the street in groups, with an adult and at intersections when possible.

9. Warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has examined them carefully.

10. Teach your children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report anything unusual to you and/or the police. Teach your children if anyone tries to grab them to draw attention to themselves and loudly yell “This person is trying to take me,” or “This person is not my father/mother.” Instruct your children to make every effort to escape by walking, running, or pulling away; yelling; kicking; attracting attention; and/or otherwise resisting.

Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to “Trick or Treating.”

If you have an emergency call 9-1-1. If it is not an emergency, but you need police, fire, or a rescue squad please call 440-255-1234.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!