The City of Erie Police Department is reminding residents to stay safe this Halloween by offering some trick-or-treating safety tips.

The City of Erie's trick-or-treat hours will take place on Halloween, Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. 

The Erie Police Department offers the following Halloween Safety Tips: 

  • Plan Your Route: Before heading out for trick-or-treating, plan your route in advance.
    Stick to well-lit areas and neighborhoods you’re familiar with. Let someone know where
    you’ll be and roughly how long you’ll be gone.
  • Stay Visible: Only visit well-lit homes with a porch light on. Wear reflective or brightcolored costumes and add reflective tape to your child’s outfit and their treat bag. Carry
    a flashlight or glow sticks to make sure you’re visible to drivers.
  • Inspect Candy: When you return home, inspect all the Halloween treats. Discard any
    unwrapped or suspicious-looking items. If your child has food allergies, be especially
    vigilant and check labels for allergens.
  • Stay on Sidewalks: Remind children to always walk on sidewalks and be cautious
    crossing roads. Use crosswalks. Avoid cutting across yards or streets in the dark.
  • Use the Buddy System: Whenever possible, travel in a group with a trusted adult. The
    buddy system provides safety and is more fun when trick-or-treating

Additionally, the police department is reminding motorists to slow down, watch for children and to adhere to all traffic regulations. 

The City is also asking residents to clear leaves from roadways and sidewalks to avoid potential slipping hazards.