DPS Offers Tips to Keep Texas Families Safe this Halloween

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to take extra precautions this Halloween as part of its Keeping Texas Families Safe initiative — a statewide effort aimed at promoting awareness and safety during the fall season.

“Keeping Texas families safe starts with awareness and action,” said Homeland Security Division Chief Gerald Brown. “This Halloween, let’s be prepared, stay aware and help ensure every Texan can enjoy the season safely.”

As Halloween festivities approach, DPS encourages Texans to keep the following safety measures in mind:

• Secure your firearms: Lock guns in a cabinet or safe to protect children and prevent theft. DPS’ Safe Storage Campaign offers checklists and resources at safegunstoragetexas.com.

• Be aware of fentanyl dangers: Even a single pill laced with 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly. Fentanyl may be disguised as candy — parents are urged to carefully inspect all Halloween treats.

• Report suspicious activity: Use the iWatchTexas app or call 844-643-2251 to report potential threats. Reports are confidential and help prevent violence in schools and communities.

DPS provided several important reminders for families and children:

• Use bright, reflective costumes or add reflective tape to darker outfits.

• Choose face paint instead of masks to maintain visibility.

• Carry flashlights, glow sticks, or wearable lights to stay visible.

• Walk on sidewalks and crosswalks — never run across streets.

• Ensure props like swords or wands are soft and flexible.

• Always travel in groups with adult supervision and stick to familiar neighborhoods.

• Visit only well-lit houses and never enter strangers’ homes or vehicles.

• Inspect all candy before eating, and discard anything unwrapped.

• Parents should review the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry map to plan safe routes.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than any other night of the year.

DPS also reminded motorists to take precautions on Halloween night:

• Don’t drink and drive. Arrange a sober ride in advance.

• Stay alert — children may dart unexpectedly into streets.

• Buckle up all passengers and slow down in neighborhoods.

• Avoid distractions — put away mobile devices and focus on the road.

• Use caution when approaching intersections and crosswalks.

“Sometimes it’s the smallest compromises that lead to the biggest consequences,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “This Halloween remember to plan a sober ride, put the phone away and slow down for pedestrians— especially children. A few mindful choices behind the wheel can make all the difference in keeping our families and communities safe – it can save a life.”

The Halloween safety outreach is part of DPS’ 90 Days of Safety, a three-part campaign launched in honor of the department’s 90th anniversary.
The initiative includes:

1. Keeping Texas Communities Safe (Aug. 11)

2. Keeping Texas Roads Safe (Sept. 10)

3. Keeping Texas Families Safe (Oct. 10)

Each phase highlights ways Texans can take an active role in public safety. DPS has also launched PSAs, educational materials, and a Halloween-themed coloring sheet featuring K-9 Disco — available for download on the DPS Celebrates 90 Years webpage.

For more safety resources, visit dps.texas.gov.