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New Jersey Halloween Alert: Newark-Jersey City Tips for Oct. 31
Newark, NJ – Halloween is just days away, and families from Newark to Jersey City and communities across New Jersey are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treati
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-28T20:07:09.414Z
Newark, NJ – Halloween is just days away, and families from Newark to Jersey City and communities across New Jersey are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treating. With busy intersections, darker suburban streets and children walking through neighborhoods, 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.
Here are 10 essential safety steps New Jersey families should follow, from preparing costumes to returning home with Halloween candy.
Before Heading Out 1. Plan Your Trick or Treating Route
Choose familiar, well lit neighborhoods, check local trick or treating hours and establish a return time. Make sure older children understand their boundaries and know where to meet if separated.
2. Choose Safe, Comfortable Costumes
Avoid oversized shoes, dragging fabric and masks that restrict vision. Comfortable footwear is especially important on crowded sidewalks, neighborhood steps and uneven driveways.
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.
4. Prepare for New Jersey's Fall Weather
Late October can bring chilly temperatures, coastal winds and rain. Check Saturday's local forecast and dress children in comfortable layers that won't create tripping hazards.
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 remain 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 in residential neighborhoods.
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 New Jersey Families With Halloween falling on Saturday, Oct. 31, families should prepare for increased pedestrian activity throughout the evening.
From Newark and Jersey City to Paterson, Elizabeth, Trenton, Atlantic City and surrounding New Jersey communities, motorists should remain especially alert after sunset.
Parents in urban neighborhoods should watch for turning vehicles at busy intersections, while families in suburban communities should take extra precautions on poorly lit roads.
A few simple precautions can help ensure Halloween ends with candy, costumes and happy memories instead of preventable emergencies.