A Guide to Halloween Safety
Halloween is a night many children eagerly anticipate—the chance to put on a costume, grab a flashlight, and spook up some tricks and treats! However, no matter how fun the night may be, safety should always be a priority. Proper visibility, safe costumes, checking treats, and staying alert to vehicle and fire-related hazards are all essential. By following the steps below, you can ensure a fun and safe Halloween.
On Your Child’s Costume
Visibility is key. Make sure your child’s costume is adorned with reflective tape. The more visible your child is, the safer they will be when crossing streets, as oncoming drivers will be able to see them.
If your child is wearing a mask, ensure it does not impair their vision. If the mask obstructs their sight—either directly or peripherally—have them remove it while crossing the street and only wear it when approaching houses for trick-or-treating. Likewise, if possible, avoid colored contact lenses, as they have been known to impair vision and potentially damage the eyes.
Whether your child is dressed as a ghost, a caped crusader, or a vampiric count, their costume should be easy to walk in. Trim the bottom if necessary to prevent tripping and falling while walking through the neighborhood. Be mindful of capes or any loose fabric that could get caught underfoot.
Avoid sharp costume accessories. Whether your child is dressed as a pirate, musketeer, or another character, ensure they do not carry sharp objects while trick-or-treating. Besides being dangerous, they could trip, fall, and injure themselves.
Trick-or-Treating
Accompany your child while they go trick-or-treating, especially if they are young.
Only approach homes that are welcoming trick-or-treaters. These are usually marked by bright lights or festive decorations on the front lawn.
Carry a flashlight to navigate more easily during the evening. That, along with ensuring your child has full visibility, will help you safely see where you are going.
Walk instead of running to avoid falling, especially as traffic increases. Moving carefully and staying aware of your surroundings will keep your trick-or-treat route worry-free.
Never let your child enter a stranger’s home on Halloween—this is extremely important. While trick-or-treating, your child may visit many homes, some of which belong to people you may not know. If invited inside, make sure your child refuses, no matter what is said. Teach them this safety rule before they go out for the evening.
Try to avoid non-factory-sealed treats. Store-bought treats in their original packaging are safest, as they have not been tampered with.
Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in the middle of the street. Keeping your child out of the path of cars is essential, especially as party traffic increases throughout the night.
If You Are Giving Out Candy This Halloween
Avoid fire hazards: Be mindful of where you place jack-o’-lanterns or candles, as a child’s costume could accidentally catch fire. Keep indoor jack-o’-lanterns away from curtains and other flammable materials.
Keep your lawn hazard-free: Ensure the path from the sidewalk to your front door is clear of obstructions to prevent children from tripping and falling while approaching your home.
By following these tips, your child can enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween!
