City Officials Urge Pasadenans to Follow Safety Guidelines for Halloween

City officials urged Pasadenans to follow safety guidelines on Halloween — not only for children who go out trick-or- treating, but also for adults who go out celebrating.

For Trick-or-Treaters:

• Wear Bright, Reflective Costumes – Ensure costumes are bright or have reflective materials to make you more visible to drivers, especially at night. Consider using glow sticks or flashlights.
• Cross Streets Safely – Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Stick to Well-Lit Areas – Only visit houses that are well-lit and avoid dark, isolated areas. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible.
• Go in Groups –  Travel with a group of friends, family, or a trusted adult. There’s safety in numbers, especially after dark.
• Inspect Candy Before Eating – Have a parent or guardian inspect all treats for tampering or allergens before you eat them. Discard anything that looks suspicious or is not properly sealed.

Ride the Pasadena Transit this Spooky Season

Take one of Pasadena Transit’s six routes to the upcoming Fall and Halloween events! Check out our Pasadena Transit System Map for the route nearest you. Live bus arrival times can be found at PasadenaTransit.net, through the Pasadena Transit app, or at bus finders at select stops. Fares are all under $1, ranging from 35 cents for seniors and disabled, youth (K-12) 50 cents, and adults 75 cents. Pasadena Transit service ends at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit PasadenaTransit.net or call us at (626) 744–4055.

Halloween Safety Tips

The Pasadena Police Department encourages a safe Halloween experience for all trick-or-treaters and those distributing candy.

For Trick-or-Treaters:

• Wear bright, reflective costumes – Ensure costumes are bright or have reflective materials to make you more visible to drivers, especially at night. Consider using glow sticks or flashlights.
• Cross streets safely – Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Stick to well-lit areas – Only visit houses that are well-lit and avoid dark, isolated areas. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible.
• Go in groups – Travel with a group of friends, family, or a trusted adult. There’s safety in numbers, especially after dark.
• Inspect Candy Before Eating – Have a parent or guardian inspect all treats for tampering or allergens before you eat them. Discard anything that looks suspicious or is not properly sealed.

For Those Giving Out Candy:

• Light up your home – Keep your porch and driveway well-lit to ensure trick-or-treaters can safely approach your home. Turn off any decorative lights when you’re done giving out candy.
• Clear pathways – Make sure walkways, steps, and yards are clear of tripping hazards like garden hoses, toys, or decorations to avoid accidents.
• Hand out pre-packaged treats – Stick to individually wrapped candy to ensure safety and hygiene. Avoid homemade treats unless you personally know the families you’re giving them to.
• Respect non-trick-or-treating houses – If a house is dark and not decorated, it’s likely they aren’t participating in Halloween. Encourage trick-or-treaters to respect these homes and not approach

The Pasadena Fire Department advises residents on fire safety during Halloween festivities: 

• Do not use frayed, damaged, spliced electrical cords.
• Electrical cords shall not be plugged into one another, this is known as daisy chaining.
• Be aware if using smoke producing machinery indoors, fire alarm systems will activate.
• Never use pyrotechnics as a decorations or props. Your safety is our concern.
• Keep track of your loved ones, have a way to distinguish them within a crowd.
• Make sure that all smoke alarms in your home are working.
• Avoid Using Real Flames – Opt for battery-operated candles or glow sticks for any jack-o’-lanterns or decorations. This prevents the risk of fire, especially with children in costumes.

To keep the community healthy this Halloween, the Pasadena Health Department recommends:

• Everyone aged 6 months and over can get the updated COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines. Getting vaccinated remains the single best way to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19 and the flu. Make a plan to help protect yourself and your family before Halloween gatherings. For more information on updated vaccines, visit the PPHD website.
• It is recommended to wear a face mask that fits well and covers the nose, mouth, and chin. A costume mask is not a substitute for a protective mask.
• If you are sick, or you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and away from others.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
• Consider non-toxic makeup and do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye exam and a prescription.