Weather
Alabama Halloween Alert: Birmingham-Mobile Safety Tips Oct. 31
Birmingham, AL – Halloween is just days away, and families from Birmingham to Huntsville and communities across Alabama are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or tr
By Blake Harrison · 2026-10-28T20:25:02.952Z
Birmingham, AL – Halloween is just days away, and families from Birmingham to Huntsville and communities across Alabama are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treating. With children heading into residential neighborhoods after dark, busy intersections and changing fall weather, parents should take important precautions before heading out Oct. 31.
According to the National Safety Council, pedestrian visibility, traffic awareness and adult supervision are important precautions for reducing Halloween related injuries. Families should plan ahead, especially when children will be walking through neighborhoods after sunset.
Here are 10 essential safety steps Alabama families should follow before, during and after trick or treating.
Before Heading Out 1. Plan Your Trick or Treating Route
Choose familiar, well lit neighborhoods and confirm local trick or treating hours, which may vary by community. Establish a return time and meeting location before leaving home.
2. Choose Safe, Comfortable Costumes
Avoid oversized shoes, dragging fabric and masks that restrict vision. Select comfortable footwear that provides traction on wet sidewalks, uneven pavement and neighborhood steps.
3. Make Costumes Visible to Drivers
Add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags. Carry flashlights or glow sticks to help motorists spot children after sunset, particularly on streets with limited lighting.
4. Prepare for Alabama's Fall Weather
Late October can bring mild afternoons, cooler evenings, gusty winds and occasional rain. North Alabama may experience cooler conditions than communities along the Gulf Coast. Check Saturday's local forecast and dress children appropriately.
While Trick or Treating 5. Stay Together and Stay Alert
Young children should remain with a responsible adult. Older children should travel in groups, carry charged phones and check in regularly.
6. Walk, Don't Run
Use sidewalks whenever available. Where sidewalks are missing, walk facing traffic and stay as far from moving vehicles as safely possible.
7. Watch for Cars at Every Crossing
Cross at intersections, obey traffic signals and look both ways. Never assume approaching vehicles will stop. Drivers should slow down and watch for children emerging between parked cars.
8. Be Careful at Every Door
Approach well lit homes, remain outside when collecting candy and never enter unfamiliar homes, apartment buildings or vehicles.
After Returning Home 9. Inspect Halloween Candy
Parents should examine treats for damaged packaging, potential allergens and choking hazards. Discard anything questionable before children begin eating.
10. Keep Halloween Decorations Fire Safe
Use battery operated LED candles instead of open flames inside jack o' lanterns. Keep costumes and decorations away from heaters and other heat sources.
A Final Reminder for Alabama Families With Halloween falling on Saturday, Oct. 31, families should prepare for increased pedestrian activity, although local trick or treating schedules may vary.
From Birmingham and Huntsville to Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan, Auburn and Florence, motorists should remain especially alert during neighborhood trick or treating hours.
Families in rural communities should take additional precautions along roads without sidewalks or adequate street lighting. Along the Gulf Coast, parents should also monitor local weather conditions before heading outside.
A few simple precautions can help ensure Halloween ends with candy, costumes and happy memories instead of preventable emergencies.