The Texas Department of Public Safety is encouraging Texans to stay vigilant this Halloween as part of its “Keeping Texas Families Safe” initiative, offering reminders on how to prevent accidents and keep communities secure during the holiday.
“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.”
The department’s safety campaign includes several key messages on responsible gun storage, fentanyl awareness and reporting suspicious activity.
Texans are urged to keep firearms locked in a cabinet or safe, visit safegunstoragetexas. com for storage options, and download a safety checklist to ensure guns are kept away from children and unauthorized individuals.
DPS also warns of the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often mixed into counterfeit pills or disguised as candy.
Even a small dose — about two milligrams — can be fatal. Officials urge parents to discuss the risks with their children and to monitor Halloween candy carefully.
Through the iWatch-Texas program, residents can report suspicious activity in their schools or communities through the app, website, or by calling 844-643-2251.
Reports are confidential and take only a few minutes to complete.
For families heading out trick-or-treating, DPS offers several safety tips: Use bright or reflective costumes and carry flashlights or glow sticks.
Choose face paint over masks that obstruct vision.
Stick to sidewalks and crosswalks, and travel in familiar neighborhoods with adult supervision.
Avoid entering strangers’ homes or cars.
Inspect all candy before eating, and discard unwrapped items.
Check the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry for information about local neighborhoods.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other night of the year.
“Sometimes it’s the smallest compromises that lead to the biggest consequences,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “Plan a sober ride, put the phone away and slow down for pedestrians — especially children. A few mindful choices behind the wheel can save lives.”
Drivers are reminded to eliminate distractions, follow speed limits, and never drive under the influence.
The Halloween safety effort is part of DPS’ 90 Days of Safety campaign, launched in August to mark the department’s 90th anniversary.
The campaign highlights ways Texans can help keep their communities, roads, and families safe through public outreach, social media content, and educational materials — including a Halloween-themed coloring sheet featuring K-9 Disco, available on the DPS website.
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