Halloween weekend is upon us and that means many will be partaking in fun activities, parties and of course trick-or-treating. Halloween is fun for all but there can also be potential risks that are even scarier than the tricks.

All About Arizona News wants to help prevent tragedies this Halloween by sharing tips to help celebrate the holiday safely this weekend.

Trick or Treating Safety

1. Accompany your children while trick-or-treating. Those who are chaperoning the fun, be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings. Stay off your phones and make sure you are not distracted.
2. It is a good idea to talk to the kids ahead of time about not rushing out into the street to get to the next house, staying on the sidewalks when possible, use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street.
3. It is strongly recommended that trick-or-treaters hold glowsticks, add reflective tape to the costume or even carry a flashlight. Visibility is important when there are children out at night.
4. Inspect your child’s costume to make sure it fits properly to avoid tripping.
5. There will be a lot of walking, parents are encouraged to double-check your child’s shoes. Experts recommend closed-toe shoes and making sure costumes are safe for walking.
6. Hold off on enjoying the treats until you return home and the candy has been inspected. This is hard for children who want to immediately dig in and enjoy the treats. Unfortunately, there are truths behind the warnings about tampered candy. In addition to a threat of tampered treats, some parents must worry about allergies to certain types of candy. For those parents, going through their haul is critical. Oftentimes the fun-size candy won’t label the ingredients. Encourage your kiddos not to dig into to the treats until they have returned home.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Drivers on Halloween night need to be on high alert, especially when entering neighborhoods. Pay special attention to your surroundings and be prepared for a child to dart into the road out of excitement. Most trick-or-treating will start just as the sun is going down around 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. Drivers make sure your headlights are on and slow down your speed.

1. Stay off your cell phones while driving.
2. Stay alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas that are likely to have children out. Remember cars may be parked on streets which can limit your sight of a small child running out from behind it.
3. More pedestrians will be out, it is recommend to slow speed, it may save a life.
4. Parties will be happening all weekend in celebration of the holiday. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately.

Tips for Party Hosts

Halloween celebrations will be held all weekend and for many adults, lively libations will be consumed. It is important that everyone is responsible and good decisions are made to get home safely. If you are hosting a party, please be a responsible party host and make sure your guests arrive home safely, putting no one in danger on the roads.

1. Collect car keys from guests who are drinking. Only return the keys when you feel the driver is sober. Host should be aware that liability laws can hold you responsible for parties where underage drinking has occurred, regardless of who provided the alcohol. In addition, you could be held legally responsible for your guests’ actions after they leave your party.
2. Serve food and provide non-alcoholic beverage for guests.
3. Be prepared with phone numbers to call taxis or rideshares. If needed, provide sleeping accommodations. If you are sober, drive guests home.
4. Outdoor parties are best and recommended.

However you celebrate this holiday weekend, we hope you have a Spooktacular time!