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Washington Halloween: Seattle-Spokane Safety Tips Oct. 31
Seattle, WA – Halloween is just days away, and families from Seattle to Spokane and communities across Washington are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treating
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-28T20:55:58.543Z
Seattle, WA – Halloween is just days away, and families from Seattle to Spokane and communities across Washington are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treating. With early darkness, wet roads and the possibility of chilly fall weather, parents should take precautions before heading out Oct. 31.
According to the National Safety Council, pedestrian visibility, traffic awareness and adult supervision are important parts of Halloween safety. Families should plan ahead, particularly when children will be crossing streets after sunset.
Here are 10 essential safety steps Washington 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 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, slip resistant footwear for wet sidewalks, neighborhood steps and potentially muddy pathways.
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. Visibility is especially important when rain or fog reduces how far drivers can see.
4. Prepare for Washington's Fall Weather
Late October can bring rain and gusty winds across western Washington, while eastern communities may experience colder evenings and occasional early season snow. Check Saturday's local forecast and dress children in waterproof layers when needed.
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 slippery leaves, puddles and uneven pavement.
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 reduce speed on wet roads 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 Washington Families With Halloween falling on Saturday, Oct. 31, families should prepare for increased pedestrian activity, although local trick or treating schedules may vary.
From Seattle and Spokane to Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Renton, Vancouver, Bellingham, Yakima and Olympia, motorists should remain especially alert during neighborhood trick or treating hours.
Families in western Washington should take additional precautions when rain, fog and wet pavement reduce visibility. In eastern Washington and mountain communities, colder temperatures and potentially icy surfaces can create additional hazards.
Drivers throughout the state should slow down in residential neighborhoods, remain attentive at intersections and watch carefully for children crossing streets after dark.
A few simple precautions can help ensure Halloween ends with candy, costumes and happy memories instead of preventable emergencies.