Full Notification

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety has announced trick-or-treat hours for Halloween in Indianapolis and is also offering tips to help trick-or-treaters stay safe.

Trick-or-treat hours in Indianapolis will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is planning extra patrols and enforcement in neighborhoods during that time.

Trick-or-treaters can also receive treats from their neighborhood firefighters and police officers by stopping by any neighborhood Indianapolis Fire Department station from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., or at IMPD Southeast District, 1150 South Shelby Street, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Those choosing to participate in this year’s Halloween festivities are encouraged to consider the following safety tips: 

• Wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape.
• Wear fire-resistant costumes.
• Make sure children can see well through facemasks.
• Do not wear masks or disguises into businesses.
• Adults should accompany young children and children with special needs.
• Go out in daylight hours, if possible; carry a flashlight if you plan to be out after dark.
• Stay within your neighborhood, and only visit homes and people you know.
• Watch for traffic and look both ways before crossing the street.
• Motorists are reminded to slow down and be aware of their surroundings.
• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged treats.
• Examine all treats before allowing children to eat them. If a suspicious item is located, please contact police as soon as possible at 327-3811; if injury is involved, dial 911.
• Do not eat treats which have been tampered with; examine all treats for choking hazards.
• Keep costumed children away from pets; the pet may not recognize the child and become frightened or possibly aggressive.
• Avoid hard plastic or wooden props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber, which is soft and flexible.
• Avoid props such as toy guns, which look real.
• Consider block parties instead of trick-or-treating.
• Do not fire guns; it is illegal and what goes up must come down.
• Check the weather and have appropriate dress under costumes in the event of cold temperatures.

For more information on Halloween safety tips, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/family/halloween.