Halloween safety made high priority by Los Angeles police

LINCOLN HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Police and fire officials were on hand at Murchison Street Elementary School Thursday morning to talk about Halloween safety to students and parents.

Los Angeles police said they want all kids to be properly prepared. Halloween may be all about dressing up, eating candy and having fun, but safety should be everyone's No. 1 priority.

Some helpful tips include walking on the sidewalk, looking in all directions before crossing the street, and making sure to have a flash light or wear reflective tape.

"They've got to watch those cars, because cars are so busy watching the zombies, they're not going to see kids crossing the street in front of their cars," said Pat Hines, a safety advocate.

Kids were also encouraged to go out in groups; there's safety in numbers. Also, avoid strangers offering candy and inspect your candy before eating it.

"Cookies in a bag - they may be safe but you don't want to take a chance," Hines said.

Safety officials are also pushing the importance of fire retardant costumes.

"If you should happen to buy something like this in a fabric store and it gets too close to a candle in a pumpkin, it will melt right onto your skin," Hines warned, holding up a piece of fabric. Parents are advised to carefully inspect the labels on their kids' costumes.