Survive the Spook: How to Stay Safe While Trick or Treating This Halloween

It’s that time of year again, where the goblins, witches, and zombies hit the streets in search of candy, or as we like to call it—Halloween currency. But before you go charging into the night like a sugar-crazed skeleton, let’s talk about staying safe! After all, there’s nothing scarier than realizing you forgot your flashlight on the way to that last haunted house. So, here’s your ultimate guide to make sure the only screams you hear this Halloween are from spooky decor—not your mom calling after you because you didn’t check in! Insert eerie sound effects here.

First off, we know you want to look boo-tiful (or terrifying), but remember, your costume should be safe, too. Ditch the masks that make it impossible to see or breathe. We get it—you want to be a mysterious, shadowy figure, but if you can’t see where you’re walking, you might end up as the star of a real-life horror movie, “Attack of the Tripping Vampire!”

Also, those flowing capes? They’re basically candy-collecting trip hazards. So, unless you want to face-plant in front of your entire neighborhood while reaching for that king-size candy bar, make sure your outfit is practical.

What’s creepier than walking down a dark street with nothing but the sound of your own footsteps? (Besides the creepy neighbor’s fake cobwebs?) No one wants to fall into a random hedge because they missed a step in the dark. Grab a flashlight, glow sticks, or anything that keeps you lit up like a Halloween disco ball. Reflective tape on your costume? Even better—you’ll be the glow-in-the-dark superhero of the night!

Sure, solo ghosting sounds fun in theory, but traveling in packs is way less terrifying (and safer!). Plus, who’s going to double-check that you didn’t accidentally grab a pencil instead of a candy bar from that one house? Plus, having backup means more people to trade candy with at the end of the night. (Pro tip: Chocolate always wins.)

Look both ways before crossing the street. Zombies don’t care about jaywalking because, well, they’re zombies. But you? You’ve got a candy-filled life ahead of you! Drivers may be distracted by their own Halloween festivities, so stay on sidewalks, cross at corners, and channel your inner ninja when darting from house to house—but, you know, the safe ninja kind.

5. Inspect the Loot

This is probably the most important (and delicious) part of Halloween safety—the candy inspection. Before diving into your sugary treasure chest, make sure an adult checks it over. Remember, unopened candy is the gold standard. If it looks funky or homemade from a stranger, just pass. We all know it’s tempting, but trust me—you want your treats to be scary good, not just plain scary.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to collecting candy, avoiding hazards, and keeping your Halloween both spooky and safe. May your night be filled with frights, delights, and chocolate in abundant amounts!

Happy Trick or Treating!