General tips from National Safety Council  

• A responsible adult should accompany young children while trick-or-treating.

• If older children are going out alone, plan an approved route ahead of time and agree on a time for them to return home.

• Stay on sidewalks and in familiar, well-lit areas, and remind children to stay with friends.

• Teach children never to enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.

• Tell children not to eat any treats until they return home and check for potential food allergens.

Driving safety tips from the Aurora Police Department 

• Watch for children walking along roadways, medians and curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

• Look out for children in dark clothing after sunset.

• Avoid distractions such as cellphones or loud music while driving through neighborhoods.

Fire prevention tips from Aurora Fire Rescue 

• Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o’-lanterns and decorations instead of open flames.

• Keep decorations away from heat sources such as flames, light bulbs and heaters.

• Turn off all decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Ensure exits are clear and smoke alarms are working.

• Avoid long, trailing costume fabric and masks that block vision or hearing.

• Add reflective tape to costumes or trick-or-treat bags to increase visibility.

• Give children flashlights or glow sticks to help them see and be seen.

Tips from Aurora911 

• See something, say something. Call 911 if a crime is in progress, you see suspicious behavior, or someone’s health, safety or property is in immediate danger. Examples include fires, lost children or impaired drivers.

• Know your location. Responders can’t help if they don’t know where you are. 

• Speak clearly, stay calm and answer all questions from the dispatcher. 

• Stay on the line and follow instructions until told it’s OK to hang up. 

• For non-emergencies such as noise complaints, vandalism or burglaries with no suspect on scene, call the non-emergency line at 303.627.3100. 

Pet safety tips from the Aurora Animal Shelter 

• Make sure pet costumes don’t restrict movement or cause overheating. 

• Keep chocolate, xylitol, raisins and nuts out of reach as they can be toxic to pets. 

• Create a quiet, secure space away from the front door to reduce stress from frequent visitors or doorbell ringing. 

• Ensure pets have up-to-date identification tags and microchip information. 

• Watch for signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, and contact a veterinarian immediately if needed. 

• Know the location of your nearest 24/7 veterinary clinic.