Trick-or-Treat Guide: Times, Tips and Cash for Best Costume

As the witching hour approaches, we wanted to make sure you had all the information you'll need to make this Halloween one of the spookiest, sugariest and safest on record.

Trick-or-Treat Times

Throughout Shelby Township and Utica, trick-or-treating starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Sirens will signal the start and end.

Weather

Dress warm. Temperatures will be in the 30s with winds up to 15 miles per hour. There is also a 40 percent chance of rain. 

Safety

The Shelby Township and Utica fire departments are asking young and old residents to follow these safety tips along the trick-or-treat trail:

• A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or-treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. 
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication. Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. It doesn't hurt to have a flashlight on hand either.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or- treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Post-Trick-or-Treating

• Inspect the bag of goodies before letting the kids dig in. Make sure wrappers are on candy and have not been opened. Examine and wash any fruit before eating it.

Win Prizes for Best Halloween Costume

Also, parent's don't forget to submit a photo of your costume-clad kid to the Patch Halloween Costume contest for a chance to win a $5,000 grand prize! Adults and children are eligible to enter. Parents can post costume photos of themselves and their families from this Halloween or from years past. Click here for instructions.