Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to the safety of those little trick-or-treaters. Fortunately, there are lots of easy things parents and kids can do to stay safe on the spookiest of holidays. 
Drivers, slow down and be alert! Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
COVID-19 or no COVID-19, Trick or Treating will be happening, and a little bit of normalcy would be nice for families right now. If your child is asking to Trick or Treat with their friends, here are some helpful tips.
To decide if you are ready, ask yourself this question: What have I taught my child about their personal safety to prepare them for this awesome new adventure? Of course, each family must make these decisions based on knowing your own child, the other kids with whom they’ll be walking, the community (traffic? isolated? etc.), and if you have any known predators in the area. (You can check this on your state’s sexual offender website.)

For younger children always have adult supervision.
This is not just because of concerns about ‘predators in our midst’, it is more about keeping kids safe from the distracted drivers or them wandering off in the chaos of the many costumed groups of people.
If you have taught your child about their personal safety, and they understand that there are homes they cannot approach and that they should never, under any circumstances, enter someone’s home to get candy or anything else, then they might be ready for this new independence. If not, sit down with them and have a talk about what the boundaries and rules would be for this trick or treat adventure.

TIP LIST FOR KIDS VENTURING OUT ON THEIR OWN
1. Flashlights (Use a real one! Much more fun than using a phone.)
2. A designated check-in time for a phone update or physical meeting spot keeps them grounded.
3. Only go to homes that are being visited by others and have lights on.
4. Stay on streets that have other trick or treaters.
5. Tell your child NOT to eat any candy until you have looked it over. Okay – so that isn’t going to happen. But do explain that any candy, even if it is a favorite, if it is open in any way it has to be thrown out. Then also remind them which candy is your favorite so they can save that for you (parents should enjoy the holiday, also)!
6. Do not approach dogs you do not know. Always ask the owner for permission before approaching even dogs you do know.
7. Do not talk to anyone driving by in a car. Review this with them: If an adult is in need of help they should be asking another adult – not kids. They have permission if approached by someone in a car to yell “No!” and run in the opposite direction the car is facing and contact their trusted adults immediately.
Halloween was a blast for me growing up as well as with my own kids. For most families it is the ultimate fun holiday.
Take a few minutes to consider if your child is ready to go out on their own. If yes, cover the topics above and have a great night!

From your friends at Avalon Hospice and KidSafe Foundation