Halloween Safety Tips for Everyone

Halloween safety may be the last thing on your radar. After all, you’re either out trick-or-treating, at home handing out candy or hosting a spooky party. If you do have some fear around Halloween that’s not caused by horror movies, you’re not alone. Here are some quick tips on what you can do to prevent accidents from happening this Halloween.

Halloween Safety Tips for Adults

Supervise – All children should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating.

Stand Out – Wear bright colors if possible, or you can add reflective tape to dark costumes

Who Ya Gonna Call? – Put emergency identification on costumes or on your child’s wrist. Include name, phone number, and address in case they get separated.

Masked Dangers – Check the ingredients of all face paint or makeup confirming it is “made with U.S. approved colored additives,” “laboratory tested,” “non-toxic,” or “meets federal standards for safe cosmetics.” You could also make homemade Halloween makeup.

Treat Inspectors – Make sure you look at all your kid’s candy first. Throw away any unwrapped or unsealed pieces.

911 – Teach your children the emergency number, just in case.

Don’t Drive – If you’re able, avoid driving during trick-or-treating.

Be Alert – If you’re driving, always watch for children crossing the street. Likewise, if you’re out with your kids, make sure the road is clear.

Never Drink & Drive – Halloween is a great time for parties, but sometimes that means drinking. Never get behind the wheel after you’ve had alcohol.

Halloween Safety Tips for Kids

Buddy System – Never trick-or-treat alone.

Stranger Danger – Never go inside a stranger’s house.

Lights On – Only trick-or-treat at houses with their lights on.

Pet Problems – Watch out for animals. They may be confused by all the Halloween happenings and act aggressively.

Carry a Light – Take a flashlight with you, so you don’t trip or fall on anything dangerous.

Crossing Streets – Be careful when crossing streets, even in your own neighborhood. Rather than cutting through yards, use designated cross-walks and always look both ways before your feet leave the sidewalk. • Wear a comfortable costume and shoes with a solid tread to prevent slipping.

Neighborhoods – Always trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods and at homes of people you know.

See Clearly – Take your mask off in between houses, so you’re better able to see.

Treat Sampling – Wait to eat your treats until you get home. That way, parents, and caregivers can inspect the contents of your treat container and throw away any suspicious looking goodies.

Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners

Keep it Clear – Clear steps and lawns of any tripping hazards (electric cords, hoses, etc.).

Pet Protection – Put any pets away. The sights and sounds of Halloween may be frightening to them too, which could lead to aggressive behavior.

Pathways – Keep your sidewalks and pathways clearly lit.

Store Bought – Save the homemade treats for another time.

Party Safe – If you’re having a party, never provide alcohol to minors.