Halloween is one of the children’s favorite holidays.  The chance to dress up in a costume and fill bags with candy is a sure way to excite any youngster.   For parents, though, the night can be stressful as you worry about your kids’ safety.

To help make sure the night stays safe and enjoyable for you and your children, we have compiled a brief list of Halloween safety tips.   We encourage you to look at it in case there is a tip or two that will help you avoid any potential accidents or danger.

Trick-or-treating

  • Make sure your children take flashlights so they can avoid tripping over obstacles on the sidewalk or in yards.  Flashlights and glow sticks will also help motorists see your children.
  • If you allow your older kids to go out without your supervision, ensure they go out in a group.  Never let your kids to go out alone or even in pairs; make sure they go out with at least 3-4 other kids.
  • Map out their route so you know where they will be and when they should be home.
  • Tell your kids to only stop at familiar homes where you know the residents and where the outside lights are on.
  • Instruct your kids to WALK from house to house and NEVER run.
  • Ensure your kids know never to enter anyone’s home, never to accept rides from strangers, and never to take shortcuts through yards or other dimly lit areas.

Costumes:

  • Costumes should be light enough to be visible to motorists.  You may even want to add reflective tape to your child’s costume and bag.
  • Make sure your child’s costume is labeled flame-resistant.
  • Costumes should be short to prevent trips and falls.
  • Try cosmetic face paint rather than a mask.   Masks, especially on children, may not fit properly and can obstruct vision.
  • Be sure to remove all face paint that night to prevent skin irritation.

Candy

  • Please don’t allow your child to eat any candy before you have a chance to inspect it for choking hazards or tampering.
  • Only permit your child to eat unopened candy in its original wrapper.  Any homemade or unwrapped candy should be discarded.
  • A good way to prevent your kids from eating candy before they get home is to give them a meal or snack right before they go out.
  • Above all else, limit the amount of candy your child eats after they get home or you will be dealing with one big stomachache.

Adults

  • Use additional caution when driving a vehicle—lookout for children who might run into traffic from behind parked cars or other obstacles.
  • Turn on your porch and any other exterior lights to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home.
  • Remove any obstacles from your lawns, steps, or porches that could be a tripping hazard for children or adults.
  • Keep all jack-o’-lanterns from doorsteps or steps where a child could brush by the flame with their costume.
  • If you keep your jack-o’-lantern inside, place it on a sturdy table away from curtains or other ignitable decorations and out of reach from children and pets.