When I was a girl, Halloween on a Saturday or Sunday was like winning the candy lottery. You knew you had tons of time to get out and trick or treat without worry about getting home from school or having to stop early to do homework.
@baristanet Dear knower-of-all-things, is there an official time that trick or treating starts in Montclair?
— Sianne Garlick (@SianneG) October 28, 2015
There are no posted or official times for trick or treating in Baristaville. Most years on my Montclair block (always busy with trick or treaters), we get kids ringing our doorbell from 3:30 pm to as late as 9:30. Little kids come earlier in that time frame because some find it less scary in full daylight and because bedtimes are often earlier, too. Is Saturday different? Let’s crowdsource the question
[polldaddy poll=9149336]
No matter when your treaters head out, here are some safety tips sent over by Montclair Police and the Red Cross:
SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING
To maximize safety, plan the route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they make their way around the neighborhood.
Other safety tips to follow include:
* Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight to see where they are going and be seen by drivers.
* Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
* Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
* Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
* Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
* It’s not only vampires and monsters people have to look out for. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
WELCOMING THE KIDS
If someone is manning the candy giveaway at their house, they can make sure it’s a fun night for all by doing the following:
* Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
* Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.
* Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
* Restrain the pets.
* Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.
* Use extra caution if driving. The youngsters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing
