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West Virginia Halloween: 10 Safety Tips for Saturday, Oct. 31
Charleston, WV – Halloween is just days away, and families from Charleston to Huntington and communities across West Virginia are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-28T20:21:08.650Z
Charleston, WV – Halloween is just days away, and families from Charleston to Huntington and communities across West Virginia are preparing for a Saturday evening filled with costumes, candy and trick or treating. With chilly fall temperatures, fading daylight, winding roads 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 West Virginia families should follow, from getting ready at home to returning safely with Halloween candy.
Before Heading Out 1. Plan Your Trick or Treating Route
Choose familiar, well lit neighborhoods and check local trick or treating schedules, 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. Slip resistant footwear is especially important on West Virginia's hills, uneven sidewalks and steep 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, especially along poorly lit roads.
4. Prepare for West Virginia's Fall Weather
Late October can bring chilly temperatures, gusty winds, rain and even snow at higher elevations. Check Saturday's local forecast and dress children in warm, comfortable 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.
7. Watch for Cars at Every Crossing
Cross at intersections, look both ways and never assume approaching vehicles will stop. Drivers should slow down, particularly on winding roads and in neighborhoods with limited street lighting.
8. Be Careful at Every Door
Approach well lit homes, remain outside when collecting candy and never enter unfamiliar homes 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 West Virginia Families With Halloween falling on Saturday, Oct. 31, families should prepare for increased pedestrian activity, although local trick or treating schedules may vary.
From Charleston and Huntington to Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Beckley, Fairmont and Martinsburg, motorists should remain especially alert during neighborhood trick or treating hours.
Families in rural and mountainous communities should take additional precautions along roads without sidewalks, where darkness, curves and limited visibility can create additional hazards.
A few simple precautions can help ensure Halloween ends with candy, costumes and happy memories instead of preventable emergencies.