YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Trick or treat?

Halloween's famous line immediately invokes the possibility of harm upon children who ask the question?

Although the treat wins over the trick at doorways, harm is still possible on Oct. 31. Alisha Benge, Yuba Police Department information officer, said officers speak to children in a non-threatening way when it comes to the annual night out, ensuring that they are giving a clear message across about their safety.

“As with any time, not just Halloween, if something suspicious or 'uneasy' is spotted, you can notify the police by calling the non-emergency number for your local law enforcement agency,” Benge said. “Officers and dispatchers can provide advice over the phone or respond to investigate if needed.  Of course, if an emergency requires an immediate response, call 911.”

The greatest Halloween threat comes on the road, not the doorway.

“Halloween is particularly busy for pedestrian and vehicle traffic on the roadways,” Benge said. “The likelihood of an accident is higher with all the activity.”   

Traffic Safety Officer and Sgt. Dave Krause cites sombering data related to the seasonal event.

“Statistically, children are twice as likely to be injured in a vehicle or pedestrian accident on Halloween compared to any other day of the year, according to the National Safety Council,” Krause said.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outlines necessary precautions to avoid harm, including trick-or-treating with a friend or parent, walking only on sidewalks, and using flashlights or glowsticks.

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security reports that Halloween participants should wear face paint rather than a mask for clearer vision and stay on a porch or sidewalk when giving out candy.

Regarding sweets, “Do not eat any candy until it has been inspected and review labels to ensure allergens are not present,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Benge said precautions in Yuba City include a “Traffic Unit” conducting a traffic control run on Oct. 26, followed by some fun inside the Police Department.

“The Halloween Trick-or-Treat Open House is an annual event at the department put it on that was inspired by Disneyland trick-or-treat trails,” Benge said. “This gives the community a festive twist on touring the PD (Police Department) and having a small insight on what activity looks like in the department.”

This event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day.

“There will be candy at each station and photo opportunities for parents and kiddos,” Benge said of the Oct. 26 event.

For more information on the Oct. 26 Halloween Trick-or-Treat Open House, contact the Yuba City Police Department at 530-822-4660.