Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids and adults alike. However, it’s important to keep safety in mind to ensure that everyone has a good time. Children’s Network of Hillsborough recommends following these ten safety tips when trick-or-treating or enjoying other Halloween festivities:

1. Plan Costumes With Care: Make sure costumes are bright and easy to see in the dark. Avoid costumes that are too long or have loose, flowing fabric that could cause a tripping hazard.
2. Reflect On Safety: Add reflective tape to costumes and bags to make them more visible in the dark.
3. Light the night: A flashlight can help you see and be seen while trick-or-treating. Glow sticks can also help make trick-or-treaters more visible to drivers and other pedestrians.
4. Stay On The Bright Side: Stick to well-lit streets in familiar neighborhoods.
5. Walk Responsibly: Stick to sidewalks whenever possible and use crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic to be more visible.
6. Keep An Eye On The Road: Be aware of cars, and make sure to look both ways before crossing the street. (Likewise, drivers should be extra careful and watch for trick-or-treaters.)
7. Ring Where Welcome: For safety and courtesy, only approach homes that have their porch or other exterior lights on to welcome children. Do not ring the doorbell at dark doorways, where residents may not wish to be disturbed.
8. Unwrap Wisely: Make sure to inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it. Discard any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks suspicious.
9. Mind Your Masks: Be careful when selecting masks, especially for children, as some may obstruct vision. Consider using makeup instead.
10. Supervise The Spookiness: Make sure children under 12 have adult supervision at all times while trick-or-treating. Older youth venturing out should be aware of these tips, stay in familiar areas, and trick-or-treat in groups. By following these simple safety precautions, you can help ensure that everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!