From imaginative costumes and glowing jack-o’-lanterns to mountains of candy, Halloween is a night filled with excitement, laughter and festive fun!
Before you head out for an evening of trick-or-treating or greeting little ghosts and ghouls at your door, keep these tips in mind to make sure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween night.
1. Dress to be seen
Costumes are part of the Halloween magic, but safety should still come first:
- Choose bright or reflective costumes, or add glow sticks and reflective tape so kids are easy to spot after dark.
- Make sure costumes fit properly and don’t drag on the ground.
- Swap out masks for face paint or makeup when possible to help with clear vision and breathing.
2. Map out your evening
If trick-or-treating is on your agenda, plan ahead for a smooth, safe route:
- Stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods and always use sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Bring a flashlight or wear light-up accessories to increase visibility.
- Overland Park does not set official trick-or-treating hours or locations, so follow neighborhood norms and please be courteous to others.
3. Check your candy haul
After the fun, take a few minutes to inspect your child’s treats:
- Only enjoy items in their original, sealed packaging.
- Discard anything homemade or unwrapped.
- Keep an eye out for allergens if anyone in your household has food sensitivities.
4. Decorate with care
Spooky decorations make Halloween festive, but be sure they’re safe, too!
- Use battery-operated candles instead of open flames inside pumpkins or lanterns.
- Keep walkways, porches and stairs clear of cords, props and other tripping hazards.
5. Protect your pets
Strange costumes and frequent doorbell rings can unsettle even the calmest pets:
- Keep pets indoors during trick-or-treating hours and make sure they’re wearing collars with identification tags.
- Store candy and chocolate out of reach. Many sweets are toxic to animals.
Halloween in Overland Park should be all treats and no tricks. With a few simple precautions, you can make sure everyone has a safe and frightfully fun time!