Trick-or-treating kicks off tonight in the area, with official hours set from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow in Vincennes, and from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Bicknell both nights.

Vincennes Police Department Public Information Officer Aaron Luce offers key safety advice for families, emphasizing the importance of visibility, safety in numbers, and smart street crossing.

“Always trick-or-treat in groups,” Luce said. “If you’re a parent, go with your kids, or if they’re mature enough, encourage them to stay in well-lit areas and cross streets at corners or crosswalks. Always be visible and watch for traffic.”

For homeowners, Luce suggests that those opting out of trick-or-treating consider turning off porch lights to signal they aren’t welcoming visitors. He also advises pet owners to keep animals away from entryways to prevent any accidents.

“If you keep your porch light on regularly, maybe turn it off those two nights if you don’t want visitors,” Luce added. “And if you have a dog outside, make sure it’s somewhere that won’t interfere with trick-or-treaters—or bring it inside to avoid any incidents.”

Authorities encourage families to only approach homes with porch lights on and remind kids to never enter a home or vehicle while trick-or-treating.