Halloween Safety Tips

Let’s keep Halloween fun, spooky and lighthearted with costumes and decorations. Safety matters, especially on a night filled with increased pedestrian activity. What should be an enjoyable and joyous night can unfortunately turn tragic with the increased number of pedestrians on the streets. Children are twice as likely to be killed/injured by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure a funny and safe Halloween:

Use light colors in costumes, add Reflective Tape or stickers to costumes and bags, and carry glow sticks or flashlights.
Opt for face paint: Use non-toxic face paint instead of masks, which can restrict vision and breathing.
Prevent trips: Ensure hems are short enough so kids do not trip over long fabrics.
Look for “flame resistant” or “flame retardant” labels on costumes, wigs, and accessories.
Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult.
Older kids should stick to familiar, well-lit routes and travel in groups of three or more.
Walk on sidewalks. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the far left edge of the road facing oncoming traffic.
Cross at corners or marked crosswalks.
Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Trick-or-treat only at homes with the porch light on, and never enter a stranger’s house.
Wait until you return home to examine all candy in a well-lit room.
Throw away unwrapped treats, damaged packaging, or anything that looks homemade unless you know the person who made it.
If your child has food allergies, carefully read the ingredient labels or trade items out for safe alternatives.
Ration the candy haul over several days to avoid upset stomachs and maintain a healthy routine.
Skip open-flame candles in jack-o’-lanterns and use battery-operated tea lights or glow sticks instead.
Remove tripping hazards like garden hoses, lawn decorations, and unlit pumpkins from walkways and porches.

Download Crimestoppers Halloween Safety tips here to give to your family and friends!