In the next week many community associations will see their youngest ghosts and goblins take to the streets for trick or treat. Here are some Halloween safety tips to help keep you and your family safe while enjoying the festivities:
Costume Safety
- Visibility: Choose bright or reflective costumes, or add reflective tape to dark costumes. Carry glow sticks or flashlights to increase visibility in the dark.
- Fit: Ensure costumes fit properly to avoid trips and falls. Avoid long trailing fabric or oversized shoes.
- Masks and Makeup: Opt for face paint or makeup instead of masks that can obstruct vision. If using a mask, make sure it fits well and has large eye holes.
- Fire Safety: Choose flame-resistant materials, especially if costumes will be near open flames like candles or lanterns.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
- Supervision: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should trick-or-treat in groups and stick to familiar neighborhoods.
- Street Safety: Use sidewalks and crosswalks. Cross the street at corners and look both ways. Teach kids not to dart out into the street or between parked cars.
- Driveway Awareness: Be mindful of cars entering or exiting driveways. Drivers may have difficulty seeing children in dark costumes.
- Treat Inspection: Don’t eat any treats until they’ve been inspected at home for tampering or allergens, and discard anything unwrapped or suspicious. Check out these tips from the FDA for inspecting the safety of your trick or treat candy.
Home Safety
- Lighting: Use battery-operated lights or glow sticks inside jack-o’-lanterns instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
- Clear Pathways: Keep porches, steps, and walkways well-lit and free of obstacles for trick-or-treaters.
- Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors and away from visitors. Pets might become frightened or overly excited, leading to accidents or bites.
Driving on Halloween
- Slow Down: Drive slowly and stay alert for trick-or-treaters, especially in residential areas. Children may move unpredictably.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your phone down and be extra cautious during peak trick-or-treating hours (5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.).
- Watch for Children: Be on the lookout for kids running across the street or walking in areas with little lighting.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that Halloween is a fun and safe experience for everyone!
