As Halloween draws near and families across Katy West 1 prepare for a night filled with costumes, candy, and community fun, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to stay alert and prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities on Friday, October 31, 2025.

Whether you're heading out to trick-or-treat, passing out candy from your front porch, or simply driving through decorated neighborhoods that evening, a little planning can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe during one of the most exciting nights of the year.

Trick-or-Treating Safety for Families

Halloween is a time of joy for children and parents alike—but it's also a night when certain risks become more present. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office encourages parents to accompany young trick-or-treaters and opt for daylight hours when possible. If your group plans to be out after sunset, reflective gear is a must.

“Costumes should be bright and reflective. Add reflective tape or striping to both costumes and trick-or-treat bags for better visibility,” according to recommendations from Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office crime prevention programs. “Children and their escorts should also carry flashlights with fresh batteries.”

Here are some essential tips from law enforcement and safety experts:

• Avoid dark streets or isolated paths; stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.

• Cross streets at corners using designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.

• Children should walk—never run—from house to house and avoid cutting across lawns or using alleys.

• Trick-or-treaters should be reminded never to enter a stranger’s home.

• Set clear time limits for when your group will head out and return.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office also strongly advises inspecting all treats before allowing children to dig in. Discard any unwrapped items or anything that looks suspicious, and carefully check fruits and candies for tampering or choking hazards.

Know Before You Go: Check the DPS Registry

Before heading out for a night of trick-or-treating in Katy West 1, parents are strongly encouraged to check the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry at sor.dps.texas.gov.

This free online tool helps families stay informed by identifying addresses of registered offenders in their area. Reviewing the registry can help you plan safe routes and ensure your Halloween evening remains both fun and secure.

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Costume Safety Tips

From superheroes to spooky skeletons, costumes are at the heart of Halloween fun—but they should never come at the cost of safety.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, costume safety tips include:

• Ensuring costumes are flame-resistant and short enough to prevent tripping.

• Opting for face paint over masks, which can block vision—especially peripheral.

• Using only non-toxic makeup approved for use on skin.

• Choosing soft, pliable materials for costume accessories like swords or wands.

Safe Driving on Halloween Night

For residents staying home or out on the roads during prime trick-or-treating hours (typically 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.), extra caution is key. Safe Kids Worldwide reports that children are more than twice as likely to be fatally struck by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Here are a few top safety tips for drivers from Safe Kids:

• Slow down in residential areas and remain vigilant, especially at intersections.

• Eliminate distractions inside your vehicle, such as phone use or eating.

• Watch closely for children crossing between parked cars or darting unexpectedly into the street.

Community Comes Together

Halloween in Katy West 1 is a time when neighbors come together—often meeting new faces for the first time, admiring spooky yard décor, and sharing smiles (and candy) with little ghouls and goblins.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to embrace the spirit of Halloween while staying aware of surroundings, practicing kindness, and keeping the evening safe for all.

“Make sure children know to say ‘thank you’ at each house. A little politeness goes a long way, especially when neighbors go out of their way to make Halloween magical,” shared crime prevention experts from the department.

As families finalize costumes and stock up on treats this week, don’t forget to prepare for safety as part of the plan. With just a bit of forethought and community cooperation, Halloween in Katy West 1 can be both fun and fright-free.

For more safety updates and local Halloween happenings, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.