Tips for A Safe Halloween

As we near the end of September, many residents in the community are starting to plan fun Fall and Halloween activities. The City of Valdosta observes trick-or-treating each year on Oct 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.

This year, more than ever, it is important to be mindful of safety tips as we are still working to slow the spread of the COVID-19 Virus.

Here are a few tips (suggestions) on how to enjoy the holiday while continuing to minimize the spread:

Lights on or Lights off

  • If you would like to participate in trick-or-treating traditions of handing out candy, please leave your outside lights on as an indicator that you are providing treats.
  • If you wish to not participate in handing out treats, please consider turning your front lights off as an indicator to trick-or-treaters that you are not participating.
  • If your children are participating, please avoid residences that do not have their exterior lights on.

Giving Out Treats

  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often
  • Avoid having kids grab treats from bowls. Get creative! Maybe consider grouping candy in goodie bags that trick-or-treaters can take with them.
  • Keep your distance when giving out treats

Trick-or-Treaters

  • Consider trick or treating with your household instead of large groups this year
  • Wear reflective clothing
  • Wash hands before eating treats
  • Bring hand sanitizer and a flashlight
  • Avoid homemade treats – eat only factory wrapped candy
  • Do not participate in trick or treating if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 - Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, Recent loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea.

Mask Up, Even Outdoors!

Typically we see all sorts of costumes on Halloween night, masks included! This year it’s important to wear a face-covering or mask while out trick or treating. Consider making that part of your child’s costume or decorate masks specifically for Halloween.

Host Fun Fall Activities at Home

  • Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
  • Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
  • Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
  • Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
  • Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

We encourage all children and their parents to follow the recommendations of the CDC and adhere to the social distancing guidelines while out and about. This recommendation also includes limiting the number of people gathering in one single location.

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