Reminder: Trick or Treating to be held Friday evening in Carson City, Saturday in all other counties

Happy (almost) Halloween readers! This year, due to Nevada Day falling on a Saturday, trick or treating is being held tonight, Friday Oct. 30 in the capital city.

For those revelers who grew up in Carson City, this used to be the norm for the town, and those trick-or-treaters determined to get the most candy they could out of the holiday would trick-or-treat in Carson City on Friday before heading to Gardnerville, Reno or Tahoe for trick-or-treating round two on Saturday night!

Due to COVID-19 this year, Halloween enthusiasts should take extra precaution while also making this a fun celebration for the kids and kids-at-heart. Here are some Halloween safety tips to keep everyone safe this year:

Halloween Safety
Due to COVID-19 concerns, many are opting out of doing traditional home trick or treating visits, while others will continue the practice.

The CDC has listed several safety measures to follow when trick or treating. Traditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or influenza. Plan alternate ways to participate in Halloween.

Make trick-or-treating safer
— Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
— Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
— Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
— Wash hands before handling treats.

Wear a mask
— Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
— A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
— Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
— Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
— Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.

Wash your hands
— Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
— Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
— Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
— Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
Go here for more safety information tips from the CDC.

Traffic Safety
Pedestrians should cross the street legally, making eye contact with drivers and waiting for drivers to stop before crossing. Pedestrians should also make themselves visible, whether wearing a reflective costume on Friday in Carson City or Halloween Day elsewhere in other counties.

Drivers should always watch for pedestrians and yield when necessary. This is particularly true on Halloween night, when young trick-or-treaters are out in force. Drivers are also reminded to never drive impaired. Please make sure your children do not ride with anyone impaired by drugs or alcohol. Those planning to drink should choose a designated sober driver in advance.

Motorists
— Use caution while behind the wheel.
— Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
— Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
— Drive sober or get pulled over.
— Always designate a sober driver and plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night if you plan on celebrating Halloween with alcohol or other intoxicants.
— Use your community’s sober ride program or take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
— If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement or NHP.

Pedestrians
— Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
— Keep kids safe.
— Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.
— Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
— Choose face paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
— Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.
— Remember, everyone is a pedestrian at some time.
— Always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
— Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

If we overlooked any activities let us know. Go here and tell us the who, what, where and when of any planned event.