Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year! It’s a time for costumes, candy, and spooky fun. Whether you’re trick-or-treating in Portland neighborhoods or hosting a Halloween party at home, it’s important to keep safety in mind. The holiday may be full of scares, but the real ones come from preventable accidents. A little planning goes a long way toward making sure everyone enjoys the night.

Here are some essential Halloween safety tips for families, kids, and even kids-at-heart:

Costume Safety

• Choose flame-resistant materials. Look for “flame resistant” on labels when buying costumes, wigs, or accessories.
• Keep costumes comfortable. Shoes should fit well, and costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping.
• Be visible. Portland nights get dark early in October. Add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags, or bring along glow sticks and flashlights.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

• Go together. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should use the buddy system and stick to a planned route.
• Set a curfew. If kids are going out on their own, agree on a specific return time and check in by phone if needed.
• Stay visible and alert. Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and walk facing traffic if there are no sidewalks. Cross streets at crosswalks, not mid-block, and avoid distractions like texting while walking.
• Know your stops. Only approach homes with the porch light on and well-lit paths. Remind kids never to enter a stranger’s home or car for treats.
• Watch the roads. Between 6 and 9 p.m. is the riskiest time for child pedestrians in Portland neighborhoods. Never assume drivers will see you or stop in time.
• Inspect treats. Check candy to make sure it’s factory-sealed and safe to eat. If your child has allergies, remove anything unsafe and make sure an epi-pen (that isn’t expired) is on hand if needed.

For Drivers & Homeowners

• Be cautious on the roads. Trick-or-treat schedules can vary across Portland and surrounding communities. Drive carefully during Halloween week and watch for children crossing the street.
• Light the way. If you’re handing out candy, turn on your porch light and keep walkways well-lit. When you’re out of treats, turn off the lights to signal that trick-or-treating is over.

Halloween in Portland is filled with community events, neighborhood traditions, and plenty of sweet treats. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll make sure the scariest thing about the night is your neighbor’s haunted house — not preventable accidents. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy all the tricks and treats this Halloween!