Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is almost here! Go over these safety tips with your family before trick-or-treating begins to ensure your family has a fun and safe Halloween night!

Home Safety:

• Clear driveway, walkways and steps of any potential tripping hazards. This includes garden hoses, kids toys, rakes, and yard debris. 

• Keep your front porch and main pathways illuminated.

• To avoid safety and fire hazards, use LED candles rather than real candles. 

• Keep pets indoors during trick or treating hours. If possible, secure them within the home so they can’t ‘escape’ when the front door is opened.

• Chocolate, candy and wrappers can be extremely harmful to animals. Keep all candy off of floors and out of reach to avoid risk.

Trick-or-Treating Safety:

• Stick to neighborhoods you are familiar with and stay on sidewalks (or the left side of the road if sidewalks are not available).

• Only approach the front door of homes that are well-lit or have their porch lights on. In most cases, homes that are dark do not want trick-or-treaters. 

• Avoid wearing long or difficult costumes that could be a tripping hazard. Also avoid masks that limit visibility and sight. 

• All costumes and wigs should be fire resistant. 

• Carry a bright flashlight (with fresh batteries) and place glow-sticks or reflection tape on costumes for added safety.

• Walk, don’t run, and stay alert for cars – especially when walking by driveways, garages, or passing cars.

• Older children should only trick-or-treat in groups with a planned route parents are aware of. They should also carry a charged cell-phone and review safety tips with parents prior to leaving.

• Remind all children that they must wait until they reach home to eat candy.