Your etiquette and safety guide to Halloween night
Halloween is fast approaching, but don't be spooked - we’ve listed some of the best ways to keep kids safe and not annoy the neighbours.
These tips for trick-or-treaters, parents and the community will ensure the spookiest night of the year goes off without being the scariest.
Safety for trick-or-treaters
- Tell your parents or a responsible adult where you’re going and what time you’ll be home. A grown-up should accompany little ones on Halloween night.
- Never enter anyone's home — even if they invite you inside. It's important to stay on the doorstep. If there's no answer, just walk away (no tricks).
- Be visible. Dark costumes can make it hard for drivers to see little ghosts and ghouls so always be careful when crossing the road.
- Stay with your friends. Don't split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you and carry a mobile phone in case of emergency.
- Remain in familiar well-lit areas in your neighbourhood and don't take short cuts. Only cross the road at designated lights and crossings.
- Don't knock on doors where there is a sign saying "No trick or treat here".
- Under no circumstances should you get into a vehicle with someone you don't know.
- Never eat Halloween candy without inspecting it first. Toss out anything without a wrapper.
Source: Neighbourly.com.au, NSW Police
Halloween etiquette
- Don’t knock on doors or ring doorbells after 6.30pm. People are winding down.
- Manners, manners and manners.
- If you are participating, let people know. You don’t have to cover your house top to bottom. Just stick a few decorations on your letterbox.
- Don’t give trick or treater’s fruit (they’ll probably throw it back at you, and you would have deserved it). Sure, you can make it healthy… just don’t make it BORING. Or they’ll be laughing at you so much they’ll be coffin.
- Only offer wrapped treats. Parents are (rightly) paranoid about treats from strangers. Make sure they are sealed and safe.
- If you have run out of treats (or don’t feel like you can take anymore)... turn your outdoor lights off or stick up a politely worded note.
Source: Wollongong Central
Tips for parents
- It’s good to have basic safety rules in case your children get accidentally separated during the night.
- Make sure children remember their home address and phone number by heart.
- Let them know to never enter another person’s home, even if invited.
- Tell them to be aware of their surroundings and always watch out for cars and to stay on footpaths.
Tips for householders
- Householders don't have to open the door or respond to knocks on the door on Halloween.
- If there are any problems or incidents outside your house and you are concerned, ring the police for advice or assistance or Triple 0 for an emergency.
