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With Halloween approaching on Saturday, October 31, the City of Sanibel and the Sanibel Police Department remind residents and visitors to keep safety in mind while enjoying trick-or-treating and other Halloween activities.
Suggested trick-or-treating hours on Sanibel are 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Sanibel Police officers will also be participating in the festivities, with candy available for children from police vehicles throughout the evening.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween, the Sanibel Police Department encourages families to follow these simple safety tips:
Costume Safety
- Choose light-colored costumes or add reflective tape to improve visibility.
- Make sure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls.
- Consider face paint instead of masks that may obstruct vision.
- Avoid sharp or realistic-looking costume props.
- Use battery-operated lights instead of open flames in Halloween decorations.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
- Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Older children should travel in groups and follow a planned route.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility after dark.
- Stay on sidewalks or shared use paths when possible and use caution when crossing streets.
- Visit familiar, well-lit homes and never enter a stranger's home or vehicle.
- Motorists should drive slowly and remain alert for children and families walking through neighborhoods.
Treat Safety
- Remind children to wait until they return home before eating their treats.
- Parents should inspect candy and other treats before allowing children to eat them.
- Only accept commercially packaged treats with intact wrappers.
- Report any suspicious items or packaging to the Sanibel Police Department.
Wildlife Awareness
Sanibel is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, which may be active during the evening hours. Families are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying outdoor Halloween activities.
- Keep young children close and pets on a leash.
- Avoid approaching or feeding coyotes or other wildlife.
- Do not leave candy, food scraps or other items outdoors that may attract wildlife.
- If you encounter a coyote or other wildlife, remain calm, do not run, and give the animal space. If it approaches, make yourself appear larger and use a firm voice to encourage it to move away.
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Additional information about coyotes and tips for safely coexisting with wildlife are available on the City's dedicated webpage at sanibelcoyote.com.
The City of Sanibel and the Sanibel Police Department wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween. For non-emergency questions or concerns, contact the Sanibel Police Department at 239-472-3111.
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