Nathaniel Mowery, of Reedsville, isn’t about to let that happen, which is why he keeps a close eye on his children when it comes to trick-or-treating.

“My kiddos are always home before dark and we trick or treat with them,” Mowery said. I have a pretty good habit of watching them like a hawk.”

From pumpkin carving to dressing up, there can be Halloween hazards at many turns.

“We always went along with Aden trick-or-treating,” explained Josh McCarl, of McVeytown, of his keeping a watchful eye over his son.

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
A North Street, Mifflintown, home is decorated with a Halloween display in 2023.

“We only went to houses of people that we knew,” added McCarl, who said it’s been a few years now since his son has gone out on Halloween.

And the biggest concern for Jessie Reed, of Mifflintown, during Halloween is her kids crossing the streets in costume.

“Typically, there is increased traffic in Mifflintown during trick-or-treating, and many people are on the sidewalks,” Reed explained. “I worry about them crossing in large groups and being in costumes that might impede their vision.”

The Reeds try to travel in a group with several adults and kids. Mom also has a plan in place for Halloween night.

“Our first stop is usually the fire station down the street for glow necklaces that improve their visibility,” Reed said. “We also carry a flashlight. They go out in the dark but do not venture far.”

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
Decorating safely is another concern for children and their families at Halloween. The Erdman House on Sycamore Drive in Mifflintown is pictured here during Halloween last year.

There’s also two sides to trick-or-treating as far as the Reed family is concerned.

“We love handing out candy on our porch just as much as going out,” Reed added.

Experts weigh in

While getting dressed up in costume is likely the kids’ biggest focus, parents and medical experts are more worried about safety.

“One of the biggest things for Halloween is car or motor vehicle safety,” said Brooke Klingerman, a physician’s assistant at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
Kindergarten students marching in last year’s Halloween parade at Lewistown Elementary School.

“Kids are two times more at-risk to get hit by a vehicle on Halloween,” Klingerman added. “It can happen anywhere. They’re outside, and walking around their neighborhood. It’s dark out and wearing dark costumes.”

Which makes wearing bright costumes or wearing a reflective vest or glow sticks, or even adhering some reflective tape to that Halloween garb, all the more important.

There’s also one more important rule for the road. “Try to walk on the side of the road, so traffic is coming toward you as much as possible,” Klingerman warned. “So you can see what is coming toward you.”

Klingerman also said allergies that kids have to certain candy can also come into play when trick-or-treating. “A lot of kids have allergies that friends or neighbors don’t realize,” she said. “If they’re known, we encourage adults to carry an epi-pen. That way they’re available if they have a reaction.”

Klingerman also cautioned parents to examine the collected candy and look for anything suspicious, such as candy wrappers that might be open.

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
A North Street, Mifflintown, home is decorated with a Halloween display in 2023.

If parents aren’t familiar with a piece of candy, they should ask the children if they’ve heard of it. A few questions up front can prevent problems later.

As far as costumes go, Klingerman agrees that face paint has its advantages over kids masking up. “It gives the child a better line of sight and lets them breathe better,” she said.

These tips might sound like they take the fun out of the holiday, but it’s better than ending up in the hospital.

“Halloween is supposed to be scary and spooky, but safety is obviously the number one priority,” Klingerman added.”

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
Decorating safely is another concern for children and their families at Halloween. The Erdman House on Sycamore Drive in Mifflintown is pictured here during Halloween last year.