With Halloween approaching on Saturday, October 31, families across Jeff Davis County and surrounding communities are preparing for an evening of costumes, candy, and neighborhood fun.
While Halloween is an exciting tradition for children and families, safety officials remind parents, motorists, and homeowners that a few simple precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure an enjoyable evening for everyone.
The National Safety Council (NSC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize that pedestrian safety is among the most important considerations during Halloween activities, particularly when children are walking through neighborhoods after dark.
Keeping Trick-or-Treaters Safe
Parents and guardians are encouraged to accompany younger children while trick-or-treating. Older children who are permitted to go without adult supervision should travel in groups, follow an agreed-upon route, and establish a time to return home.
Families should also remind children to:
- Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. Where sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing oncoming traffic and as far from the roadway as practical.
- Cross streets at intersections or designated crosswalks rather than between parked vehicles.
- Look both ways before crossing and never assume a driver can see them.
- Carry a flashlight or glow stick to improve visibility.
- Visit well-lit homes and never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
- Stay with their group and avoid distractions from cell phones while walking.
The NSC reports that children face a significantly higher risk of fatal pedestrian accidents on Halloween than on a typical day, making additional caution especially important for families and drivers.
Choose Costumes with Safety in Mind
Costumes are a favorite part of Halloween, but parents should check that clothing and accessories do not create unnecessary hazards.
Costumes should fit properly and be short enough to prevent tripping. Reflective tape, bright colors, and glow-in-the-dark accessories can make children more visible to motorists.
Face paint or makeup may be safer than masks that obstruct vision. Parents should also avoid costume accessories with sharp edges or pointed ends.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends choosing flame-resistant costumes and avoiding long, trailing fabrics that could come into contact with candles or other heat sources.
Drivers: Slow Down and Stay Alert
Motorists have an important role in keeping Halloween activities safe.
Drivers should reduce their speed in residential neighborhoods and remain especially watchful for children near parked vehicles, intersections, driveways, and yards.
Young trick-or-treaters may become excited and unexpectedly step into the roadway.
Drivers should avoid using mobile phones, exercise additional caution when backing out of driveways, and allow extra time to travel through areas where Halloween activities are taking place.
Check Candy Before Children Eat It
Parents should encourage children to wait until they return home before eating Halloween treats.
Once home, an adult should examine candy and other treats, discarding anything that appears spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious.
Parents should also consider food allergies and choking hazards, particularly for younger children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that candy tampering is rare, but checking treats remains a sensible precaution.
Families of children with food allergies should carefully examine ingredient labels and consider nonfood treats when appropriate.
Safety Tips for Homeowners
Residents welcoming trick-or-treaters can also help create a safer environment.
Walkways, porches, and steps should be well-lit and free of obstacles such as extension cords, garden hoses, decorations, and other tripping hazards.
Pets should be secured to prevent them from unexpectedly jumping on or frightening visitors.
For Halloween decorations, the National Fire Protection Association recommends battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of open flames in jack-o’-lanterns.
Decorations should also be kept away from heat sources, and exits should remain clear.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Before heading out, parents should make sure children understand where they are going, who they will be with, and what to do if they become separated from their group.
Children should know how to contact a trusted adult and when to call 911 in an emergency.
Families are also encouraged to check the dates, times, and locations of community Halloween activities, as organized events may offer alternatives to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating.
Halloween should be a time for making memories, enjoying community traditions, and sharing a little fun.
With preparation, responsible driving, and neighbors looking out for one another, families throughout Jeff Davis County can help make Halloween 2026 a safe and enjoyable celebration.
Sources: National Safety Council, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Fire Protection Association.
