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Utah Halloween Alert: Salt Lake City-Ogden Tips Oct. 31
Salt Lake City, UT – Halloween is approaching, and families from Salt Lake City to Provo and communities across Utah are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treat
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-28T21:01:18.137Z
Salt Lake City, UT – Halloween is approaching, and families from Salt Lake City to Provo and communities across Utah are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treating. With colder temperatures after sunset, busy neighborhood streets and possible early season snow in higher elevations, parents should take precautions before heading out Oct. 31.
According to the National Safety Council, pedestrian visibility, traffic awareness and adult supervision are important Halloween safety measures. Families should plan ahead, especially when children will be crossing streets after dark.
Here are 10 essential safety steps Utah families can 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 schedules. Some Utah families and communities may hold Halloween activities Friday, Oct. 30, rather than Saturday. 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. Choose comfortable, slip resistant footwear for sidewalks, neighborhood steps and potentially icy surfaces.
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 along poorly lit residential streets.
4. Prepare for Utah's Fall Weather
Late October can bring chilly evenings, gusty winds, rain and early season snow. Mountain communities and higher elevations may experience freezing temperatures, while southern Utah often remains milder. Check the forecast for your community's Halloween activities and dress children in appropriate layers.
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. Watch for wet leaves, uneven pavement and icy patches.
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 decorations away from heaters, dry vegetation and other potential fire hazards.
A Final Reminder for Utah Families With Halloween falling on Saturday, Oct. 31, families should prepare for increased pedestrian activity throughout the weekend. However, local trick or treating schedules may vary, including activities planned for Friday, Oct. 30.
From Salt Lake City and Provo to Ogden, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy, Orem, Layton, Logan, St. George and Lehi, motorists should remain especially alert during neighborhood trick or treating hours.
Families in mountain and rural Utah communities should take additional precautions along roads without sidewalks or adequate street lighting. Cold temperatures, steep driveways and potentially slippery surfaces can create hazards for children walking after dark.
Along the Wasatch Front, drivers should reduce speed near residential intersections and watch carefully for children crossing between parked vehicles.
A few simple precautions can help ensure Halloween ends with candy, costumes and happy memories instead of preventable emergencies.