Halloween is a night filled with fun, spooky costumes, and sweet treats snagged through the beloved tradition of trick-or-treating. As you prepare for all the sugar-laden festivities next week, here are some tips for safe trick-or-treating.

1. Plan Your Night

Before heading out, check out your city’s trick or treating hours. Springfield’s evening hours are 4:30 to 8 pm with a Trick or Treating On the Square event from 10 am to 4 pm. White House is 5 to 8 pm, but be aware that White House High School is hosting a home football game that evening at the City Park. Portland is focusing on trick or treat hours from 5 to 7 pm. For Gallatin and Hendersonville, check out their city pages–there are several options available next week. https://members.gallatintn.org/  https://www.hvilletn.org/ 

It’s also a good idea to plan the trick-or-treating route. Stick to familiar neighborhoods, especially ones that are well-lit and have plenty of sidewalks. Avoid venturing into poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Sharing your route with friends or family can be helpful in case of emergencies. 

2. Wear Visible Costumes

Costumes are the heart of Halloween fun, but they should not compromise safety. Ensure your child’s costume is bright or reflective. If the costume is dark-colored, adding reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark accessories will make them more visible to drivers. Carrying a flashlight or glow sticks can also help light the way and increase visibility.

Additionally, make sure costumes fit properly to prevent tripping. Long, flowing costumes or oversized shoes can cause accidents, so it’s best to keep costumes short and secure. Masks should be well-fitted and allow clear vision. If a mask obstructs vision, consider using face paint instead.

3. Stay in Groups

Children should always trick-or-treat in groups and, ideally, be accompanied by an adult. There is safety in numbers, and traveling in a group reduces the risk of accidents or getting lost. Even older kids who may feel too “grown-up” for supervision should at least go with a group of friends and stick together.

4. Follow Traffic Rules

Halloween can be chaotic with excited children running from house to house, but it’s essential to follow traffic rules. Cross streets at crosswalks and avoid running across the road. Children should always look both ways before crossing, even on quiet streets, as drivers might not expect pedestrians.

Drivers may also be distracted, so keeping to the sidewalk whenever possible is important. Parents should remind their children not to dart between parked cars or across driveways where cars may be pulling in or out.

5. Examine Treats Before Eating

Parents should inspect all candy before children eat any. Check for any signs of tampering such as torn packaging or unsealed items. It’s best to avoid homemade treats unless they come from trusted friends or neighbors. While rare, reports of tampered candy do surface occasionally, so it’s always better to be cautious.

6. Stick to Homes with Lights On

A general rule for trick-or-treating is to only approach houses that have their porch light on. This is a signal that the homeowners are welcoming trick-or-treaters. If a house is dark, it’s best to skip it. Also, remind children to never enter a stranger’s home or car, even if invited in for a special treat.

7. Stay Hydrated and Warm

While candy is the main attraction, trick-or-treaters should stay hydrated and warm. Bring water bottles and consider dressing in layers to keep comfortable throughout the night, especially since our beloved Tennessee has schizophrenic weather.

Halloween is a time for fun and creativity, and by taking some basic precautions, families can ensure the night remains safe. Whether it’s wearing reflective costumes, staying in groups, or inspecting treats before eating, these steps can help everyone enjoy a spooky and secure evening.

Have a safe and happy Halloween! Stay Positive and be sure to share your trick or treating pics with us @staypositive.news