AUSTIN, Texas – The City of Austin, along with the Austin Police Department, wants to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween this year, and they offered a few safety tips and suggestions to do so.

Families that want to take their little ones out for trick-or-treating are advised to begin around 6 p.m. and have their bags filled and be off of the streets no later than 8 p.m. They also recommend that children only go to houses that have their lights on.

The City of Austin and Austin Police Department offered these additional safety tips as well:

  • Make sure costumes are visible and can be seen by drivers. For greater visibility in dusk or darkness, costumes should be decorated or trimmed with reflective tape.
  • Use cosmetics instead of face masks. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and does not block vision.
  • Carry either a flashlight or a "glow-stick." Do not carry candles, torches, or other actual flaming devices.
  • Costumes should be flame retardant.
  • Do not drive in a costume that restricts movement or vision.
  • Children should always have an adult with them.
  • An adult should inspect all candy before children are allowed to eat it.
  • Throw away any candy that is not individually wrapped or purchased at a store.
  • Children should stay on the sidewalk when trick-or-treating.
  • Stay in small groups (we suggest six or fewer to a group). Stay near home in a familiar neighborhood and surroundings.
  • Cross streets only at intersections.
  • Candle-lit jack-o-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
  • Indoor jack-o-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, or other furnishings that could be ignited.
  • Jack-o-lanterns should be treated like all other candles. Extinguish them before leaving them unattended and before going to sleep.

--Sixth Street Closures:--

Sixth Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Brazos Street to the West Frontage of IH-35. Cross streets will be closed between 5th Street and 7th Street. Closures should be completed by 6 p.m. and towing of vehicles parked on 6th Street and cross streets will begin at 6 p.m. Owners of vehicles towed during this time should locate their vehicle using Auto Return’s website and have their license plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available.

The IH-35 southbound 8th Street through 3rd Street exit and the IH-35 northbound 6th Street exit may also be closed.

--Sixth Street Safety reminders:--              

  • No illegal weapons of any type will be allowed. Anyone with illegal items will be subject to arrest and the property is subject to seizure.
  • Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on 6th St.
  • Glass containers are prohibited on 6th St.
  • Don’t drink and drive. The Austin Police Department will be conducting a no refusal initiative.