Halloween is a magical time full of costumes and candy, but it also comes with extra safety concerns for children. Did you know that Halloween is one of the riskiest nights for child pedestrian injuries? Here are some helpful tips to keep your little ones safe while they enjoy the holiday.

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

Street Smarts for Trick-or-Treaters:

Stay Close to Little Ones: Always accompany young children while they’re out trick-or-treating. If your area starts trick-or-treating after dark, look into community events or earlier activities, which can help keep little ones safe and in their regular bedtime routine.
Plan Routes for Older Kids: If older kids are going alone, make sure they follow a pre-planned route, set a return time, and carry a flashlight.
Avoid Distracted Walking: Remind kids to keep phones away while walking, stay aware of their surroundings, and cross streets at designated crosswalks.
Use Sidewalks and Stay Visible: Stick to well-lit streets and use sidewalks. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the far side facing traffic. Only approach homes with porch lights on.

For Teen Drivers:
If your teen is driving on Halloween, discuss safety expectations and consider using a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement to set clear rules.

Staying Safe Around Strangers

Buddy System for Older Kids: Encourage older kids to travel in groups and to have a buddy to help them stay safe.
Don’t Enter Homes or Cars: Remind kids never to enter a home or car for treats. Report suspicious activity to local authorities.
Emergency Contact: Teach kids how to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number if they need help or get lost.

Preparing Your Home for Trick-or-Treaters

Clear Pathways: Remove any potential tripping hazards, such as hoses or toys, from the yard and walkway.
Brighten Up: Check and replace any burnt-out outdoor lights.
Keep Pets Safe: Keep pets away from trick-or-treaters to prevent accidental jumps or bites.

Costume Safety

Bright and Reflective Costumes: Incorporate reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark items into costumes and treat bags for added visibility.
Watch the Fit: Ensure costumes are the right length to prevent tripping, and choose shoes that fit well.
Flame-Resistant Fabrics: Look for costumes labeled "flame resistant," especially for wigs and accessories, and keep costumes away from open flames.
Consider Makeup Instead of Masks: Non-toxic makeup and decorative hats can be safer than masks, which can obstruct vision. Test makeup on a small patch of skin first to check for any allergies.
Skip Sharp Accessories: Avoid sharp props or long accessories that could cause injuries if tripped over.

Pumpkin Carving Tips

Safe Carving for Kids: Let younger children draw their designs with markers while an adult does the carving. Kids can help by scooping out seeds and pulp.
Use Flameless Lighting: Consider a battery-operated light for jack-o'-lanterns instead of candles, which can be a fire hazard.
Avoid High-Traffic Areas for Lit Pumpkins: If you use real candles, keep the pumpkins away from pathways and never leave them unattended.

Healthy Halloween Tips

Consider Non-Food Treats: Non-edible goodies are great for kids with allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project suggests fun items like glow sticks, stickers, and bouncy balls.
Check Treats First: Wait until kids are home to inspect treats. Throw away any items that are unwrapped, spoiled, or suspicious.
Choking Hazards: Avoid giving young children hard candy, gum, popcorn, or small toys that can be choking hazards.
Teach Moderation: Try to create a treat plan with your child for after Halloween. Use this as a chance to talk about balance and healthy indulgence.