City of Grand Rapids offers Halloween safety tips

City of Grand Rapids offers Halloween safety tips

Published on October 14, 2024

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The City of Grand Rapids wants families to have a fun and safe Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31. In addition to trick-or-treating on Halloween, there may be other themed events, like trunk-or-treats, sponsored by individual groups, such as neighborhood associations, churches, and other organizations that occur on other dates.

For those who plan to trick-or-treat or pass out candy on Halloween or at other events, here are safety tips from the Grand Rapids Police Department:

• Recommended trick or treating hours are from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Turn on your front porch light at dusk.
• Only visit homes with a lit front porch light.
• Trick or treat with a parent or adult chaperone; go in groups if possible.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing; make sure masks don't obscure vision, including peripheral vision.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Consider going house to house on the same side of the street and then double back on the other side. This will reduce the need to cross the street. Use crosswalks/cross only at corners.
• Walk on sidewalks. If you must walk in the street, walk on the left side facing traffic.
• Do not go into any stranger's home or car even if you are offered candy.
• Don't let kids eat any candy or other food until it has been checked by an adult.
• Drivers should be especially aware and observant when driving through residential neighborhoods.

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