In recent years, Houston Police have had to get involved after a family found a bag of meth inside of a child’s trick-or-treating candy haul. Sounds crazy, and it is. But it’s true. Every year, local news reports serve as a reminder that excitement can turn dangerous if safety isn’t front of mind. For many families, it’s walked hand-in-hand: parents guiding excited children from porch to porch. But sometimes, kids old enough to roam with friends want a little independence.

These stories are not meant to make you second-guess Halloween, but to remind you how a single moment can change everything.

Here are some top tips from our instructors on staying safe with your little ones during your Halloween celebrations

If you are trick-or-treating with young kids…

Dress for visibility: Choose costumes with reflective material or add glow sticks and clip-on lights so drivers can see your child.

Stay on sidewalks: Avoid cutting across yards or streets where visibility is limited.

Inspect candy together: Check every wrapper before kids dig in. Discard anything unsealed or suspicious. Do not accept homemade treats unless it is from a trusted friend or family member.

If you have older kids who desire to trick-or-treat on their own…

Set boundaries: Map out the route in advance and agree on a return time.

Use phones wisely: Encourage kids to keep phones on and location sharing active but remind them not to walk distracted with eyes glued to screens.

Stay with friends: Kids should never trick-or-treat alone—groups are safer and more visible.

No entering houses: Never accept an invitation into a strangers home.

For those of you who are interested in a safer alternative to the traditional trick-or-treating on Halloween, check out some local Trunk-or-Treat events.

These are often hosted by churches, schools and community centers (we will compile a list as the events get closer).

These events reduce traffic risks and keep children in sight, but they still require awareness. Make sure your child knows not to wander between parked cars alone. Agree on a visible “meeting point” in case you get separated. And just like in neighborhoods, check the candy together afterward.

Halloween doesn’t need to be about fear. By setting expectations and staying aware, parents can give their children the freedom to enjoy the tradition while still protecting them from avoidable risks.

This year, light up the night, check the candy, and talk through the plan. A few extra minutes of preparation can mean a Halloween full of laughter instead of worry.