As Halloween gets closer and closer, it’s time to plan for the spooky festivities that will ensue. In East Baton Rouge Parish, Livingston Parish, and Ascension Parish, the official trick-or-treat times are Thursday, October 31, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. If residents want to plan their own events at other times, they are more than welcome to do so. During trick-or-treating, people are being urged to practice safe trick-or-treat practices, like using a buddy system, wearing reflective lights on their costumes, inspecting candy, and staying on the sidewalk and out of the road. Here are a few other tips released by officials:

 

  • Before heading out for trick-or-treating, plan your route in advance. Stick to well-lit areas and neighborhoods you’re familiar with. Let someone know where you’ll be and roughly how long you’ll be gone.
  • Wear reflective or bright-colored costumes, or add reflective tape to your child’s outfit and their treat bag. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to make sure you’re visible to drivers.
  • When you return home, inspect all the Halloween treats. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items. If your child has food allergies, be especially vigilant and check labels for allergens.
  • Whenever possible, travel in a group with a trusted adult. The buddy system provides safety and is more fun when trick-or-treating.

More Safety Tips

In addition to visibility of your child’s costume, consider the safety of the costume. Can they see clearly? Could they trip? Make sure that no loose fabric is hanging down that could promote a tripping hazard for your little one. In addition to costume safety, other ways to keep your children safe during Halloween is by establishing some ground rules for the night. Teach your children to always walk on the sidewalk, or walk close to the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic so as to see it coming. Remind them to never cross the road without a parent or guardian, and to only approach houses with a light on. These basics will go a long way toward keeping everyone safe. Happy Halloween!