- Have your children wear or carry something that is lit or reflective. You will be able to keep track of your kids and cars will be able to see them easier. Flashlights, light-up shoes, or glow in the dark necklaces are great options.
- Plan out your route in advance and check it during the daylight for such obstacles as broken sidewalks (or no sidewalks), construction timber, or other obstacles that could trip up trick or treaters. Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods or areas.
- Only visit houses that are well lit. It is custom that houses who are expecting trick or treaters will keep their houses lit up and those who do not wish to be bothered will keep their house dark. Respect the privacy and wishes of your neighbors.
- Stay on the sidewalks and use crosswalks. Trick or treaters should walk, not run, and should never cut across lawns or driveways. Obstacles could exist that aren’t readily visible in the evening.
- Stay outside – don’t let kids enter homes of strangers. There should be no reason your kids need to enter a home. If there is a haunted house attraction, think about accompanying your child. This will let them partake in the fun without the worry of getting lost and scared.
- Follow neighborhood curfews. Some towns set a curfew for trick or treating which makes it easier for townsfolk to know who’s coming to their door. Make sure to stick to the curfew times and stick to subdivisions and areas with a lot of homes so your kids can get in as much trick or treating as possible in a few hours time.
- Keep the local police number in the contacts of your cell phone and report any suspicious activity or activities that seem out of the ordinary
- Go through your child’s candy before they dive in. You want to make sure all of the candy packaging is sealed. Toss any pieces that have been opened or tampered with. Only accept homemade treats from people that you fully trust.
