Halloween Safety, Timing and Registry Alerts

A wide range of pre-Halloween and Halloween events — from trunk-or-treats and festivals to zoo trick-or-treats — are being held nationwide; Cottage Health is hosting a Halloween-themed sneak peek at new Santa Barbara pediatric clinics. Many communities have changed event timings or added ticketing (for example, five Ocean County, N.J., towns set trick-or-treat for Oct. 30), so families should check local schedules, and weather could disrupt plans in parts of New England. Parents are advised to check the federal Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website and local registries because some jurisdictions bar registered offenders from handing out candy, and local law enforcement may conduct compliance checks. Children face higher pedestrian risks on Halloween, so use reflective gear or glow sticks, carry flashlights, have adults accompany young children, and drivers should slow down and watch for pedestrians. Health experts urge flu vaccinations, hand-washing, cough etiquette, and allergy precautions including carrying epinephrine and using non-food alternatives (Teal Pumpkin Project). Choose flame-resistant, vision-safe costumes, inspect candy, avoid entering strangers' homes or cars, and consult police or city websites and neighborhood tools like Nextdoor’s Treat Map for patrols, event times and safety tips.