The Latest
March 28, 2024

Where Every Family Matters

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips

Drivers are asked to be extra cautious in neighborhoods and watch for kids and families crossing the street.

There will be extra officers out on patrol on Halloween night to make sure everyone has a safe evening.Β  Typically, trick-or-treating starts on Halloween night around sunset and goes until about 9 p.m.

Trick-or-treating in groups is recommended, and kids under 12 should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Trick-or-treaters should carry glow sticks or flashlights and use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags. Always remember to check candy for tampering before allowing kids to eat anything.

Drivers are asked to be extra cautious in neighborhoods and watch for kids and families crossing the street.

β€œWe’ll have extra patrols out on Halloween night, not only watching out for our trick-or-treaters but watching our drivers to make sure they follow the speed limit,” says Chief Chip Davis of the Lavergne Police Department.Β  β€œThe speed limit is 25 MPH in our residential neighborhoods, but on Halloween, we’re asking drivers to be extra cautious and cut your speed in half. A lot of kids and families will cross the street in unexpected places, so you must be vigilant when you’re driving.”

It’s important for trick-or-treaters to know their parent or guardian’s phone number and their home address in case they get separated or lost.

β€œTake some time to teach your kids to keep themselves safe, too,” says Deputy Chief Brent Hatcher. β€œStay on familiar roads and never go into a stranger’s home or car. Kids who are trick-or-treating unaccompanied should also spend a few minutes to make a plan with their parents or guardians to make sure they don’t get lost.”

Common Halloween etiquette includes not approaching homes with their lights off, only take one or two pieces of candy from unattended bowls, don’t hand out homemade treats, and having special treats available for kids who may have food allergies or dietary restrictions.

MORE HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

  • Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen. Use face makeup instead of masks which could make seeing difficult. Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
  • Use flame-resistant costumes.
  • Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
  • Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
  • Walk, do not run.
  • Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door and never go inside.
  • Walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Do not cross between parked cars, and do not cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Drivers β€” use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.
  • A grown-up should check all goodies before eating. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

 

If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:

  • Light the area well so young visitors can see.
  • Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

 

About the Author

Michael Aldrich

Michael Aldrich is Nashville Parent's Managing Editor and a Middle Tennessee arts writer. He and his wife, Alison, are the proud parents of 4-year-old Ezra and baby Norah.