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October 27, 2026 – With Halloween just days away, officials are reminding families, drivers and partygoers to take precautions to keep the holiday safe for everyone.
From choosing visible costumes to watching for children on the road, a few simple steps can help prevent accidents during one of the year’s busiest nights for trick-or-treating.
Officials recommend using face makeup instead of masks to improve visibility and adding reflective tape to costumes and treat bags. Costumes should be flame-resistant and short enough to prevent trips and falls. For pumpkin lighting, battery-operated lights or glow sticks are safer alternatives to candles.
Pedestrian safety is especially important on Halloween. Children should use sidewalks whenever possible, look both ways before crossing streets and cross at corners rather than between parked cars. Parents or responsible adults should accompany young children, while older children going out alone should have a planned route and a set time to return home.
Drivers are urged to slow down and watch carefully for children, particularly after dark when costumes may be difficult to see. Trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights, walk rather than run and stay alert around traffic and animals.
Parents should also inspect Halloween candy before children eat it, discarding treats with opened packaging, loose or questionable items, or potential choking hazards.
Homeowners welcoming trick-or-treaters should make sure porches, sidewalks and steps are well-lit and free of leaves and other obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
Officials also encourage adults attending Halloween parties to plan ahead for a safe ride home. Anyone consuming alcohol should arrange for a designated driver, taxi or rideshare rather than getting behind the wheel.
Pet owners are reminded to keep animals in a separate area during trick-or-treating and parties, keep Halloween candy away from pets and ensure animals have identification in case they become frightened and run away.
Officials say taking a few precautions can help families enjoy Halloween festivities while reducing the risk of preventable injuries and accidents.
Trick or Treat Hours for Decatur, Mt Zion, Forsyth, Warrensburg, Argenta and Oreana are 5pm to 8pm.
