Hello neighbors! Halloween is CREEPING up on us, and we wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween experience. To make sure you and your family stay safe while celebrating, take a minute to read these tips.
We've broken down the list into two parts—one for trick-or-treaters and parents, and another for drivers—to make the advice simple and easy to follow.
If You're Trick-or-Treating
This is your mission: Make sure you can see and be seen.
- Trick-or-treat with trusted neighbors. Use the Nextdoor Treat Map to plan your route ahead of time and find the safest, most efficient route to the candy. You can access the Treat Map here: https://nextdoor.com/treat_map.
- Stay visible. Dress to impress… safely! Make sure costumes are brightly colored, and add reflective tape or stickers to costumes and candy bags. Carry a flashlight or glow stick to help you see and to be seen by drivers.
- Dress for success. Your costume shouldn’t drag too far on the ground to avoid tripping, and masks should be well-fitting. Consider using non-toxic face paint instead of a mask, as masks can obstruct your vision.
- Stick to the path. Always use the sidewalk, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Look left, right, and left again before crossing any street, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a crosswalk.
- Stay together. For younger children, a responsible adult should always accompany them. For older kids, plan and review an agreed-upon route and a specific return time.
- Double-check the goodies. Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is completely unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade and not factory-wrapped. Wait until you get home to inspect your treats, and be mindful of food allergies and choking hazards, especially for little ones.
- When in doubt, throw the candy out.
If You're Driving
Remember that children are excited and may dart into the street without looking. Be extra cautious in residential neighborhoods.
- Turn on headlights early. Even before dusk, having your headlights on can help you spot kids from further away.
- Drive slowly. Lower your speed in residential areas to give yourself more time to react. Children are excited and unpredictable!
- Watch for kids. Expect the unexpected and be on high alert. Look for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs. Enter and exit driveways carefully, and never pass a car that is stopped in the roadway—they may be letting out trick-or-treaters.
- Minimize distractions. Put your phone away and turn down the radio to give your full attention to the road.
- If you have any additional trick-or-treating tips you'd like to share with your neighbors, please reply in the comments below.
Like this post? Share it with your neighborhood today. Boo safe out there!
