13 Tips for a Safe Halloween

Your child’s costume should not be so long that they can trip or get caught on objects. Hats and shoes should also fit properly.

Avoid costumes with masks that can limit vision and increase the risk of a fall or other accident. Instead use face paints or non-toxic makeup to create a finished look.

Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye exam or a prescription as they can cause serious eye damage.

Choosing a costume with bright, fun colors helps drivers see children while trick-or-treating. Adding a brightly colored treat bag or glow-in-the-dark accessories is a fun way to make a spooky costume safer.

While dark costumes might suit the theme, they make it harder for drivers to see children crossing the road. Adding reflective tape to dark costumes and bags can help make kids more visible at dusk or night.

If possible, go trick-or-treating before it gets dark. It is safer to go while it is light.

If your child is carrying a prop like a sword or pitchfork, make sure the item can be easily identified as fake. Any points or sharp edges on the prop should be smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury.

Make sure the costume you purchase is labeled flame resistant or flame retardant. If you’re creating a costume at home, use material that will not easily ignite if it comes into contact with fire.

Always accompany young children on their neighborhood trick-or-treating. Teach them to stop only at homes with a porch light on or a well-lit pathway and never to go inside a home to accept treats.

For young children, pin a slip of paper with their name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case he or she gets separated from the group.

For older children going out with friends, agree on a specific return time and make sure they are not walking home alone.

Make sure they have a phone available and know how to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Give them a flashlight or glow stick to carry while out at night.

Walk on sidewalks in well-lit streets and use crosswalks. That means not crossing the streets between parked cars or out of driveways. Don’t assume the right of way either.

Drivers should be extra careful and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic especially, between 5:30-9:30 p.m. when trick-or-treaters are most likely to be out.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Examine all treats for potential choking hazards and tampering before children begin snacking. Tampering is rare but it can happen.

Babies and toddlers should not be allowed to eat hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, gum, small candies, gummy candy, pumpkin seeds or anything with whole nuts.

Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well. Throw out any spoiled or suspicious items.

Limit how many treats your child eats. This might be hard because Halloween treats have a lot of added sugar, but you have choices.

Treating your kids to a healthy meal before they go out will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them. Try rationing the treats in the days following Halloween while teaching your children about moderation.

Kids always want to help with the pumpkin carving. But small children should never be allowed to use a sharp knife to cut anything. Instead, invite them clean out the pumpkin and draw a face on it, which you can carve for them. Use paints, glitter and gems to decorate your pumpkin.

If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure that they are placed away from the walkway, so kids’ costumes don’t catch fire.

Better yet, use a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, consider using a LED flameless candle.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!