It’s almost time for  Halloween. The kids will soon have fun wearing their costumes and trick or treating in their neighborhoods. Here are tips to make this holiday a safe one:

Home Safety

• Clear your walkway of any debris and wet leaves to avoid tripping or slipping hazards.
• Keep pets inside, away from doors or windows so they won’t scare trick-or-treaters.
• Don’t hand out candy that could be a possible choking hazard for young children.
• Have your porch/entrance well lit if you are handing out candy. Keep the lights off if you do not want visitors.
• Young children should not carve pumpkins.

Trick-or-Treating

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• Older unsupervised children should go out with a group, follow an acceptable/safe route, and return home at a specific time.
• Only visit homes with a porch light on and never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up.
• Stay on the sidewalks, cross only at corners, and don’t run across the street.
• Make sure to carry flashlights, especially if staying out after dark.
• Travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone.
• Don’t eat any treats until returning home so you can carefully inspect them.

Costumes

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be made of fire-resistant materials.
• Accessories like swords or knives should be made out of cardboard or a flexible material.
• Pick brightly colored costumes and fasten reflective objects to clothing and bags so they are visible to motorists.
• Avoid oversized or high-heeled shoes that can cause a child to trip.
• Make sure masks or other head accessories don’t impede vision. (It is advisable to use make up or face paint instead of a mask.)
• Avoid tripping hazards, make sure costume is not too long and shoes are the proper size.
• Remove all makeup before going to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
• Attach your child’s name and contact information inside their costume.

Want to know what day and time to trick or treat day in your neighborhood?

• Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky (including Boone; Butler, Campbell; Clermont, Clinton, Gallatin; Grant; Hamilton, Kenton; Owen; Pendleton; and Warren counties)
• See more Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky regional times here
• Dayton, Ohio region times
• See more Dayton, Ohio times here
• See Indiana trick-or-treat times here

Updated: October 17, 2022