Tricks, treats — and staying safe this Halloween

Halloween in Riverdale is a time for costumes, candy and community — not chaos. It’s one of the rare nights when sidewalks fill with pirates and princesses, skeletons and superheroes, all chasing the thrill of ringing a neighbor’s bell and walking away with a sweet reward. But all that fun comes with its own share of risks. From distracted drivers to questionable candy, it’s important to plan.

Whether you’re trick-or-treating with your kids, handing out candy or just trying to get home from work, here’s how we can all help make Halloween a little safer throughout the community — and a lot more fun.

Plan costumes with visibility and safety in mind

Yes, the dinosaur onesie from Target is adorable. But if it drags on the sidewalk, it’s a tripping hazard. And a witch’s black cloak might be classic, but it’s nearly invisible to drivers once the sun sets.

When choosing costumes, make sure kids can walk comfortably and see clearly. Avoid masks that restrict vision — face paint is often a better choice. And add reflective tape or glow sticks to their outfits or treat bags so drivers can spot them.

If your kids are old enough to go out without you, review the route in advance and set a curfew. Make sure their phones are fully charged and encourage them to stay in groups.

Street smarts are life savers

Every year, the NYPD and other safety groups remind parents that Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights for pedestrian accidents. Why? Excited kids dart into the street. Drivers may be distracted. And darkness falls early this time of year.

Remind kids to cross only at corners, not between parked cars. Use sidewalks whenever possible, and never assume a driver sees you. And for drivers — slow down. Expect the unexpected, especially in
residential areas like Fieldston and North Riverdale.

If you’re hosting a party and serving alcohol, make sure your guests don’t drive home impaired. Call a cab, use a ride-share app, or offer up the couch.

Candy rules: trust, but verify

The good news? Most fears about tampered Halloween candy are overblown. But it’s still smart to be cautious. Inspect everything your child brings home. Throw away anything that’s unwrapped, ripped,
or homemade from someone you don’t know personally.

Food allergies are another important concern. If your child has one, check labels carefully — and consider giving them a separate bag to collect only “safe” treats.

Keep pets calm and indoors

For your four-legged family members, Halloween can be terrifying. Strange noises, unfamiliar visitors, and tempting candy all spell trouble. Keep dogs and cats inside, away from the front door. Chocolate,
sugar-free gum, and even raisins can be
toxic for pets — so keep the candy stash out of reach.

If you’re walking your dog during trick-or-treat hours, make sure they’re on a short leash and wearing ID tags. Not every ghost or goblin is dog-friendly — and vice versa.

Decorate with care

Jack-o’-lanterns are fun, but real candles can tip over. Opt for battery-operated tea lights to reduce the risk of fire. And if you’re decorating outside, secure extension cords so no one trips.

Make sure your steps and walkways are well-lit and free of obstacles. If you’re handing out candy, consider sitting outside to greet kids directly — it helps avoid too many people crowding your door at once.

Halloween should be about fun, not fear. A little planning goes a long way in keeping our sidewalks safer and our children happier. Let’s look out for each other this Oct. 31 — and make it a night to remember for all the right reasons.