Here are some important safety tips for parents and children from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Happy Halloween! Have fun and be safe!

  • Children should travel in groups of 3 or more.
  • Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
  • Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children’s companions. Set a time limit.
  • Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
  • Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit. Accept treats only in the doorway. NEVER enter a stranger’s home.
  • Children should not eat treats until parents have checked them.
  • Do not ride a bicycle-your costume could get tangled in it.
  • Carry a flashlight.
  • Walk on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
  • Cross busy streets at an intersection or cross walk. Be sure to look both ways (2 times) before crossing the street.
  • Walk, don’t run.
  • If you wear a mask, be sure you can see out of it clearly. Remove mask when walking from house to house.
  • Wear reflective tape on your clothing/costume.
  • Be very cautious of STRANGERS.
  • NEVER eat unwrapped candy, opened candy, or fruit given to you on Halloween.
  • Pin a slip of paper with your child’s name, address, and phone number inside a pocket in case the child gets separated from the group.
  • Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch/exterior lights on.
  • Patrol your street occasionally to discourage speeding motorists, acts of malicious mischief, and crimes against children.
  • Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police department immediately (dial 9-1-1).
  • Candlelit jack-o-lanterns should be kept clear of doorsteps and landings.
  • Consider using flashlights instead of candles to light jack-o-lanterns.
  • Keep pets away from doors so children will not become frightened.