Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

Little goblins and witches are sure to be excited for trick-or-treating fun. Ensure everyone enjoys the Halloween festivities while staying safe using these Halloween safety tips for successful trick-or-treating.

Younger Children

A parent should always accompany younger kids while trick or treating. Plan on 1 adult per 3 children - otherwise it might get to be too much for one parent to handle. Plus, going out in groups is always your best bet!

It's a great idea for parents to carry flashlights in case the trick-or-treating trail leads to unlit areas. Try and stay on streets that are well lit.

Cell phones are ideal on Halloween night especially if you are trick or treating with a group. Make sure cell phone numbers are exchanged prior to setting out.

Decide on a meeting place or plan if someone loses his or her way. Make sure the kids are all aware of this location and how to get there.

Trick-or-treat at homes that have their lights on by the front door. A dark threshold usually means that the home is not participating in Halloween.

Older Children

If your older kids are trick or treating on their own, go over these tips and consider setting a curfew. Give them a cell phone and ask them to check in with you throughout the night.

Carry a flashlight and stick to neighborhood streets they're familiar with.

Stick with a group of friends.

Never approach a car with a person inside offering Halloween candy.

This last tip is based on something that actually happened to me as a parent trick-or-treating with my kids: If there's a person hanging out on the street, basically not in a home, giving out candy (or Tang and Granola Bars as was the case of our rogue Halloween treat giver) avoid them, or if that's not possible, the parent could simply take the treat to avoid conflict and throw it out later.