Halloween is an exciting time for children and families, filled with costumes, candy, and spooky fun. However, it can also pose various safety risks, especially for children who are out trick-or-treating at night. We want to ensure that your Halloween is full of fun memories and no injuries. To help you and your family stay safe, we’ve compiled these essential Halloween safety tips:
1. Choose Safe Costumes
Costumes are one of the most enjoyable parts of Halloween, but safety should always come first. Make sure your child’s costume is flame-resistant, especially since they might come into contact with candles or open flames in jack-o’-lanterns. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to increase visibility in the dark.
- Avoid masks that obstruct vision: Opt for face paint or makeup instead of masks, which can impair vision and lead to incidents.
- Check for tripping hazards: Ensure costumes are the right length to prevent tripping. Shoes should be comfortable for walking long distances.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, proper costume safety can significantly reduce the risk of injuries during Halloween .
2. Stay Visible
As the sun sets earlier in October, visibility becomes a major concern. The CDC recommends carrying glow sticks, flashlights, or wearing bright, reflective costumes to make sure children are visible to drivers .
Encourage your children to only visit well-lit homes and remain on sidewalks whenever possible. If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic and stay as far left as possible. Cross streets at designated crosswalks and avoid cutting between parked cars, as this can make it harder for drivers to see your child.
3. Supervise Young Trick-or-Treaters
While older kids may want to trick-or-treat with friends, children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to plan a route in advance and choose familiar, well-lit neighborhoods. Discuss safety rules with older children, such as sticking to their planned route, using the buddy system, and checking in regularly.
The National Safety Council reports that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year . Ensuring adult supervision can significantly lower these risks.
4. Inspect Candy Carefully
Before allowing children to dig into their candy, inspect it for any signs of tampering. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking treats, and avoid homemade goods from strangers. If your child has food allergies, take extra care to read labels and only allow them to eat candy that’s free of allergens.
The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization advises parents to carry an epinephrine auto-injector if their child has a severe allergy and encourages participation in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which promotes offering non-food treats to children with allergies .
5. Be Cautious When Driving
If you’re driving on Halloween, be extra vigilant. Children may unexpectedly dart into the road, so it’s important to slow down, especially in residential areas. Keep your headlights on, even during the day, to increase visibility, and watch for children crossing streets mid-block.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests driving at least 5 mph below the speed limit in residential areas and staying alert for children, especially during peak trick-or-treating hours between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM .
6. Watch Out for Fire Hazards
While pumpkins and candles create the perfect spooky ambiance, they also pose a fire risk. Keep jack-o’-lanterns with real candles away from doorways, steps, and pathways to prevent incidents. Consider using battery-operated candles instead, as they are a safer option, especially with young children around.
7. Be Mindful of COVID-19
Although pandemic-related restrictions have eased, it’s still important to practice good hygiene during Halloween celebrations. Encourage your children to wash their hands before eating candy and after coming home from trick-or-treating. If you’re attending indoor parties, ensure there is proper ventilation and consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.
By following these Halloween safety tips, you can help ensure that your children have a fun, safe, and memorable night.