COVID-19: Follow State and County health policies. Halloween costume masks are not suitable to provide COVID-19 protection. Promote the use of hand sanitizer by trick-or-treaters and their families. Encourage social distancing.
Motorists: Watch for children darting out from between parked cars. Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
Parents: Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12. · Check the sex offender registry at www.ncdoj.gov when planning your child’s trick-or-treat route. You can view maps that pinpoint registered offenders’ addresses in your neighborhood. Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions. Make sure older kids trick-or-treat in a group. Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route. Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home. Establish a return time. Tell your youngsters not to eat any treats until they return home.
All children need to know their home telephone number and how to call 9-1-1 in case of emergency. Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address, and telephone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group. Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath. If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Carrying flashlights with fresh batteries will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
While Trick-or-Treating: Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision. Walk; do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards. Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if there are no sidewalks. Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. Wash fruit and slice it into small pieces. Throw away any candy that is unwrapped or partially wrapped or has a strange odor, color, or texture.
Homeowners/Decorations: Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Remove obstacles from lawns, steps, and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters. Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other combustibles that could catch fire.