Halloween Safety Month: Tips for a Safe & Spooky Statesville for the SPD
October is here, and that means ghosts, goblins, and trick-or-treaters will soon fill our neighborhoods with excitement! As part of Halloween Safety Month, the Statesville Police Department wants to help ensure that everyone enjoys a fun and safe holiday.
Whether you’re planning to take your little ones trick-or-treating, heading to a Halloween party, or driving through decorated neighborhoods, a few simple precautions can make all the difference.
👻 Safety for Trick-or-Treaters
Halloween night is one of the busiest evenings of the year for pedestrians. To help keep your little ones safe:
- Stick to well-lit areas and use sidewalks whenever possible.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks and add reflective tape to costumes or bags so children are visible to drivers.
- Plan your route ahead of time and remind children to stay with their group and never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
- Check treats before eating - only enjoy candy that is sealed and from a trusted source.
Parents are encouraged to accompany younger children and remind older kids of curfews and safe walking routes.
🚗 Safety for Drivers
With more people walking near the roadways, drivers should take extra care on Halloween night:
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Slow down and stay alert - excited trick-or-treaters may cross the street unexpectedly.
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Avoid distractions such as texting or adjusting navigation while driving through neighborhoods.
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Watch for pedestrians at intersections and driveways.
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If you’re attending a Halloween celebration, never drive impaired. Plan ahead for a designated driver or rideshare.
🏠 Safety for Homeowners
If you’re handing out treats, help make your home a safe stop:
- Keep pathways clear of decorations, cords, or objects that could cause trips and falls.
- Turn on porch lights to signal you’re participating in trick-or-treating.
- Secure pets indoors to prevent accidental scares or escapes.
- Consider using battery-operated candles in jack-o’-lanterns to reduce fire risks.
🎭 Costume Safety
A creative costume is part of the fun, but it should also be safe:
- Choose flame-resistant materials and ensure costumes fit properly to prevent tripping.
- Avoid masks that limit vision - face paint or makeup is often a safer alternative.
- If using props such as swords or wands, make sure they are soft, flexible, and short.
SPD Reminds You: “Be Seen, Be Safe, Have Fun!”
We invite you to stop by our tents at both the Trick or Treat at the Greenway on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and Downtown Trick or Treat on Thursday, October 30, 2025 in Downtown Statesville.
Let’s work together to make Halloween a night full of fun, not fright. Have a safe and happy Halloween, Statesville! 🎃
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