Halloween Home Safety & Community Tips

🏡 For Homeowners & Hosts

Clear & safe entryways

• Remove trip hazards from your walkway (hoses, decorations blocking steps) so kids in costumes don’t stumble.

• If you’re giving out candy, turn on your porch light to signal you’re home and welcoming.

• If you have decorations, avoid blocking sightlines (big inflatables or dark spots) where someone could hide. (Good general safety advice.)

Neighborhood awareness

• Because Denton is known for its extensive Halloween events (see “31 Days of Denton Halloween”), with many visitors and activity, extra attention to lighting and visibility is wise.

• If you’ll be out of town during Halloween, use timers for lights or ask a neighbor to check your house — avoid it looking unoccupied.

Hosting or attending parties

• If you host a party, keep excess alcohol/traffic in check, ensure parking doesn’t block sidewalks or driveways, and remind guests to watch out for children especially at night.

• Supervise pumpkin-carving and avoid open flame candles — battery-operated lights are safer.

👧🧒 For Trick-or-Treaters & Families

Costume & visibility

• Choose bright or reflective costumes, or add reflective tape/glow sticks so you’re visible in low light.

• Avoid masks that block vision or make it hard to walk. Opt for face paint or well-fitted masks.

• Shoes should fit well and be safe for walking on curbs/uneven sidewalks.

Trick-or-treating plan

• Stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods and homes that have their porch light on.

• Walk on sidewalks, use crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing streets. Stay off the street itself.

• Younger children should have an adult with them; older kids should travel in a group and have a set return time.

• Carry a flashlight for extra visibility.

After collecting treats

• Wait until you’re home to inspect candy: check for missing wrappers, tampering, choking hazards or allergens.

🚗 For Drivers & Residents with Traffic Considerations

• Halloween tends to have increased pedestrian activity, often when it’s dark. Slow down in neighborhoods, especially between ~5:30 pm and ~9 pm when trick-or-treating is common.

• Be extra cautious backing out of driveways; children may dart out unexpectedly.

• If you’re driving through neighborhoods, avoid distractions (phones etc) and watch for pedestrians in dark costumes or hidden behind decorations.

📍 Specific for Denton Area

Since Denton is actively branding itself as the Halloween destination (officially recognized as the “Halloween Capital of Texas” for its large-scale celebration).

• Expect more foot traffic and visitors than a typical neighborhood night — which means extra caution for both drivers and walkers.

• Consider participating in local community-sponsored events rather than just door-to-door trick-or-treating; these may offer more controlled, safe environments.

• If you’re new to a neighborhood (or showing a blog audience homes/neighborhoods): highlight safe, well-lit streets, community-organized events, and neighborhoods known for proactive holiday safety.