More About TIPS for a Safe Halloween

While most communities celebrate Trick or Treating on the 31st a few do so on other days. Be aware of when your community is doing this. Even though you do not have kids you will want to drive slowly and take precautions with your property to ensure all are safe.

Click here for a list of trick or treat hours in the various local areas.

* Make sure your House and Property are WELL LIT. This both ensures that children will not trip and fall and that your home will not fall victim to pranksters - as they prefer the darkened doors of homes with little to no lights.

* Parents and older children choose paths that are well lighted and those with which you are familiar.

* Take extra precautions when DRIVING. Children are notoriously bad at timing their crossing of streets and are even worse when distracted by looking over the candy they just had placed in their bucket.

* Thus, parents, REMIND your children to cross roads safely and with an adult...and in a crosswalk if possible.

* If you are setting out a jack o'lantern make sure they are far enough out of the way such that children's clothing will not accidentally be set on fire. Better yet use battery operated pumpkin lights.

* Parents, carry your phone light or flashlight for needed light.

* Props should also be soft, flexible and safe should your child fall.

*Buckets are handy for collecting candy but often kids will want to use a pillow case of the like. This is fine for older kids but be sure it is not a tripping hazard for the younger ones.

* When deciding on candy remember that there are more and more children with allergies or special needs. Look for teal pumpkin buckets that alert you to the child's need and have some gluten, dairy, egg and peanut free treats available. Also, if a child, tween or even older teen is trick or treating be kind to them and their needs. Most are good kids and you don't want to be the house that gets "tricked" by the naughty ones.

* Instruct children to not visit the homes of strangers and to check their candy before eating - for younger children tell them you need to examine their candy before they can eat it.

* Each community has a set time for trick or treating but it is also best for you to tell your children a set time to be home - commensurate with their age.

* For those with older children remind them that they should be an example to the younger tricker treaters, be respectful of them and to the people whose homes they visit. Having good manners no matter how "scary" one looks is never a bad idea.

*If you own a pet keep them restrained such that they do not frighten the children. Also do not let your animals eat chocolate or gum as theres are not good for most pets.

Date & Time

October 31, 2023

Communities

This event is seen in 107 communities. [view]

Share This Event!

Add to My Calendar

Did you know you can follow any of our 175 Special Interest calendars and stay informed better than ever before? See them here. You can also create your own public or private calendar here. Post events to your calendar and ours at the same time! Terms and conditions may vary based on the policies of your local Town Planner publisher.

To learn more, watch our intro video!