October is one of the most exciting months of the year on Long Island – the days are filled with both fun and fright, all to celebrate the changing of the season, and of course, Halloween. As we begin to indulge in Halloween Festivities, it’s important to remember to be safe, and keep out of harm’s way – especially with all the goblins and ghouls running around! Before you head out to enjoy a night of thrills and chills, make sure you're prepared for whatever the night may bring, and have taken precautions to keep yourself, your property, and others safe. To help you gear up for a Spooktakular Season, we’ve put together a few tips & tricks to help you enjoy a safe & fun Halloween this year:

For Trick-or-Treaters

• Always travel in a group – do not wander away from the group of people you are with. Stay with your friends & family at all times.
• If you are trick or treating without a parent this year, be sure to bring your cell phone, as well as your school identification, in case of an an emergency situation.
• Trick or Treat in well-lit neighborhoods, and only approach houses with the lights on. Only accept treats on the doorstep – do not enter a stranger’s home for any reason.
• Be sure to bring a flashlight with – when the sun starts to set, you’ll want to ensure that motorists see you, and that you can easily see the sidewalk or street that you’re walking on.
• Look both ways for oncoming traffic before crossing the street, and always cross at the street corners. You may be in the “blind spot” of motorists, so always be aware of your surroundings, and of oncoming traffic. If possible, try and walk on the sidewalk.
• Do not cut across driveways or yards – there may be unseen obstacles in these areas that can cause you to trip.
• Never approach an animal you do not know. A dog might seem friendly at first, but may be afraid of your costume, or frightened by the loud noises made by other trick or treaters.

For Parents

• Make sure to establish a curfew for your child to be home at.
• Be sure to have a detailed description of your child’s costume, and if he or she is trick-or-treating without a parent this year, make sure you know what neighborhood they’ll be in.
• Have your child bring his or her cell phone while they’re out trick or treating so that you can check in with them, and they can contact you if there is an emergency. Be sure to get the phone numbers of your child’s friends, should you be unable to reach their cell phone.
• After your child has returned from trick or treating, go through all of the treats they’ve brought home, and make sure all of the wrappers are unopened before letting the kids go through the loot.
• If you have small children, make sure to take out any of the small, hard candy that they may choke on.
   

For Home Owners Welcoming Trick or Treaters

• Keep your pets indoors in an area that is blocked off from the front door – pets can get scared easily by the noises, costumes, and constant visitors at the house on Halloween. For the safety of both your pet and the trick-or-treaters, keep Fido indoors for the evening.
• Be sure that your driveway and your yard are free of debris, ladders, and breakables – although Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to not cut across driveways and yards, they often do in the excitement of the holiday, and you do not want anyone tripping over your belongings. This extra precaution can protect your property, and create a safer environment for trick-or-treaters.
• Consider using battery powered lights for jack-o-lanterns and other outdoor displays – real flames can be dangerous for trick-or-treaters with long, flowing costumes. If you do decide to use real candles, be sure to position your decorations a safe distance from your door, and away from any hanging decorations.
• If you have any breakable lawn decorations, be sure to bring them inside for the evening – you may have the occasional ghoul passing through your yard on Halloween night, and this is a simple way to protect your property.

These tips & tricks are put together by LongIsland.com each year to ensure that everyone has a fun, safe Halloween. We hope that these help you enjoy the holiday, and prepare for a Happy Haunting Season!