Halloween Safety Tips
The Halloween season is a fun and enjoyable time for children to go out and get candy with their friends and family members. While fun should be the top priority, safety should not be overlooked.
Below are some Halloween safety tips to ensure a safe Halloween:
Always trick-or-treat in a group.
By having more people in a group, there is strength in numbers and it can put off any potential danger. A group looks after one another and will communicate to each other about any possible dangers that may be around.
A group is also important if someone gets injured or lost, there will be other people in the group who can help or call for assistance.
Carry a cell phone for safety measures for quick communication for those in a group. Call 911 for any suspicious activity.
Establish a curfew with your child so they return home at a certain time.
Trick-or-treat on well-lit streets and through familiar neighborhoods
Trick-or-treating on well-lit streets can help drivers see young children more easily, thus avoiding the risk of an accident. A well-lit area allows for better visibility of any potential strangers who may pose a threat.
It’s recommended to only visit homes that have a porch light on.
Try walking on the sidewalk as much as possible.
Check the candy before consuming
When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety during Halloween. Throw away any unwrapped treats.
It is important to take packaged and sealed treats because they are less likely to have been tampered with or contaminated. It is important to inspect any homemade treats before consuming them.
Check for any candy that may have food allergies.
Lastly, avoid accepting any baked goods from strangers.
Carry light and wear reflective clothing
Carrying a form of light can greatly enhance your safety while trick-or-treating.
A flashlight or glow stick can help illuminate your path and prevent trips or falls in the dark. It can also help you signal for help in an emergency. Carrying a flashlight or glowstick can also make you more visible to drivers and reduce the risk of getting hit by a car.
Wearing clothing that is reflective or has reflective tape is a great way for drivers or other people to see you in the dark.
Look both ways before crossing the street
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to any other day of the year.
It’s important to look both ways before crossing the street to ensure that you are not hit by a passing car. It’s also important to follow traffic signals and cross at designated crosswalks for added safety measures.
Be sure to make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
Never walk into a stranger’s home or vehicle
Strangers could potentially harm or kidnap you.
You never know what a stranger may have in their home or vehicle, such as a weapon or illegal substance. If a stranger offers you anything, such as candy or a ride, politely decline and continue with your group.
Trust your instincts and remove yourself from any uncomfortable or dangerous situations immediately. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for any potential threats.
Costume safety tips
Pick a costume that is flame resistant. Wear a costume that is bright and reflective so you can make yourself more visible.
Don’t wear a costume that is too long that may cause you to trip.
If you’re wearing a mask, make sure the worn mask cannot easily obstruct your line of sight. If it does, wear decorative face painting or makeup.
At-home safety tips
Only hand-out pre-packaged treats to trick-or-treaters instead of baked items or unwrapped items.
Remove any tripping hazards from your walkway or porch that a trick-or-treater may trip over. If you live in a cold weather area, remove any snow or wet leaves along the walking path.
Keep your pets indoors so they avoid biting any trick-or-treaters.
Keep your house well-lit as a welcoming gesture to trick-ot-treaters.
If you have to leave in your vehicle on Halloween night then enter and exit your driveways and alleys carefully.