Halloween is one of America’s favorite holidays. Kids across the country love dressing up, heading out, and filling up their pillowcases and bags with sweet treats from their neighbors. For seniors, Halloween can be just as magical. No other holiday allows you to wear silly outfits and welcome kids from across the neighborhood to come to your door dressed up as their favorite superhero or fairy princess,

While Halloween is surely all about fun, it doesn’t hurt to take a few extra precautions to keep things safe if you’re a senior this October 31st. With that in mind, here are three excellent tips to help seniors stay safe this Halloween:

1. Invite Over Family and Friends to Celebrate

Halloween is one of the most social holidays of the year, with groups of kids and their families enjoying going door to door collecting sweet treats. If you’re planning on handing out candy this October 31st, you can make it social too!

Inviting over a friend or family member to help you pass out candy or to watch a scary movie is a great way to enjoy the holiday. Plus, it’s always good to have an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands on hand – just in case!

2. Keep Your Porchlights Shining Bright

Before the dawn of All Hallows’ Eve, take a moment to make sure your outdoor and indoor lighting is working and beaming bright. This will not only help you safely navigate to and from your door to pass out candy but will also help you get a better view of who is standing outside of your door when the doorbell rings. As an added bonus, more lights make it easier to view all of the super-cute costumes that come your way.

3. Set a Cutoff Time and Stick to It

Time flies when you’re having fun, and the same is true for kids who are out trick-or-treating. Though most cities allow trick-or-treaters to be out until around 8 pm, some kids and families may not know the proper time to pack it in, and you may be concerned about your doorbell keeping you up into the night.

A good rule of thumb to prevent any late knocks at your door is to pick a time to stop handing out candy and stick to it. Once the clock strikes your cut-off time, be sure to lock your doors and turn off your porch light. This will let kids know that you’re closed for business.

4. Have Fun!

Halloween may be thought of as a children’s holiday, but it can also be great fun for adults of all ages – including seniors! Whatever your plans may be this October 31st, be sure to have as much spooky fun as possible as Halloween only comes but once a year!

Happy Halloween!

Remember: Halloween can be one of the most enjoyable nights of the year but staying safe should always be your first priority. If you’re ever put into a situation where you feel uncomfortable, be sure to reach out to loved ones or your local authorities who are there to help.