Trick or treat safety If your kiddos are headed out to trick-or-treat, be sure to escort them. Why not dress up yourself and make a family fun night out of it? Speaking of costumes, be sure that they do not cover your youngster’s eyes so they can see clearly where they’re headed. Carry a flashlight or something glowing and stay in groups.

Look up, Lebo It’s always important to watch out for pedestrians, especially when school is in session. Always be prepared to stop at crosswalks. Never text while driving. Don’t drive if you’re exhausted. Wear your seat belt. It’s the law. And allow extra time in bad weather or during construction (ahem, Uptown construction to beautify our neighborhood!) Mind the speed limit and leave enough room between you and a pedestrian when stopping at a crosswalk.

Outdoor fire regulations If you’re planning to roast marshmallows by the campfire, here are a few reminders to keep you safe: Fires must be three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. Don’t burn rubbish or yard waste. Keep the fire at least 25 feet away from structures and combustible materials. Stay with the fire until it’s completely out.

Turning pink October also serves as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department will continue to show its support by turning the station pink each night.

Check your cars As the weather changes, Mt. Lebanon police want to remind you to make sure to stay up to date with your vehicle maintenance. Tires good to go? Battery OK for another winter?

Stay safe October is Fire Prevention Month—a good opportunity to remind you of the numerous safety and fire prevention programs the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department offers. Looking for ways to make your home safer? Fire safety experts will visit your home and help you make adjustments.

Before you light a fire, the department will even come to your home to inspect your chimney and wood-burning equipment to ensure it’s safe to use.

Set up an appointment by calling 412-343-3402, or go online at mtlfd.org.

Police release policy manual Mt. Lebanon Police have just completed an update of the department’s policy manual, a project that began in October 2020. In the interest of transparency, the manual is posted online at www.mtlebanonpd.org.

The department worked with Lexipol, a company of highly regarded national experts that help police departments review and develop policies, with the goal of keeping the public and officers safe. Lexipol’s model combines best practices from around the country with vast knowledge about federal and state requirements to ensure police departments have the most updated information available to guide them in their decision-making. Last year, Lexipol reviewed more than 14,000 pieces of legislation and worked with more than 8,100 public safety agencies.

During the project, a working group including police officers and leadership went through approximately 160 department policies, line by line, to ensure the policy followed best practices and was consistent with how the department should operate. Lexipol also provides the department with ongoing training to ensure every officer understands each policy, which leads to better decisions and officer accountability. The manual will be updated periodically, as best practices continue to evolve.