Common Sense Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

If you’re going out this year to trick-or-treat, make sure you and your kids are fully prepared for all of the hazards they may encounter before having some spooktacular fun.

By following basic safety measures, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

Guidelines for parents:

1. Never let your child head out alone, especially if they are under 12. They should always be with at least one friend.
2. Always walk on sidewalks or paths — never on the streets.
3. Make sure your child can be seen at night. If they have a dark costume, use reflective tape, glow sticks, or a small flashlight.
4. If they are wearing a costume mask, adjust it so that it does not limit your child’s ability to see.
5. Make sure costumes are not too long and that shoes fit well to prevent tripping while walking.

Guidelines for home:

1. Remove tripping hazards to keep your home safe for trick-or-treaters.
2. Remove leaves and other debris from sidewalks and stairs.
3. Restrain or put pets indoors or in another room so that they do not accidentally jump or bite trick-or-treaters.
4. Leave your porch light on if you are accepting visitors (turn it off if you are not).

Guidelines for drivers:

1. Slow down, especially on residential streets. A child or group of people could unexpectedly walk out from around a corner or parked vehicle.
2. Put the cell phone down and pay attention to the road ahead of you. No notification or call is more important than the safety of others.
3. Practice defensive driving! Be on the lookout for kids or other drivers who aren’t paying attention.

The risk of pedestrian injury is high for children on Halloween. Make sure everyone communicates where they are going, has a cell phone, and remains on well-lit sidewalks and crosswalks. Never assume you have right of way when crossing a street — a driver may not be able to see you.

How to Avoid Spreading Germs and Viruses

This year, many people are understandably concerned about contracting and spreading COVID-19. Use the following tips below to share a more sanitary and healthy Halloween celebration with others.

Don’t use a candy bowl. A communal candy bowl or bag risks spreading illness. Think about it. All of those hands digging in and searching for a favorite candy or treat? No thanks.

Don’t give out candy at the door. Constantly coming into contact with large groups of people crowded in front of your home makes social distancing for them and you nearly impossible.

Find a safe way to distribute treats. An outdoor table, for example, is a great way to spice up the Halloween tradition. Place the individual candy or goodie bags apart from each other so that kids can come up and pick one without touching the others. You could even have hand sanitizer available for others to use.

Wear a mask. If there was ever a time to wear a cloth or surgical mask, it’s Halloween! They can keep your face warm or be hidden discreetly behind a costume mask. You can even get creative with the theme of the mask to match the outfit.

Keep gatherings small. Stick with people you know, such as one other family. It’s also advisable to stay within your neighborhood rather than trying to go to as many houses as possible because community transmission rates vary depending on the area. In some cases, people are decorating their homes and celebrating inside. An indoor Halloween hunt or spooky movie can be a great way to spend the evening.

Other ways to stay safe during the pandemic this Halloween is to avoid large social gatherings such as trunk-or-treating, crowded costume parties held indoors, haunted houses, and fall festival events.