Halloween Safety Tips

The Costume

• Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls.
• Use make-up instead of a mask. Masks often obstruct a child's vision making tasks like crossing the street and going up and down stairs dangerous.
• Make sure children wear light colors, put reflective tape on their costumes, or carry flashlights and/or glow sticks.

The Trick or Treating

• Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends, never alone. Parents should map out a safe route.  Young children should be accompanied by adults.
• Instruct children to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
• Remind children not to enter the homes or cars of strangers.
• Follow your communities trick-or-treating hours.
• A good alternative to “Trick or Treating” is for parents to organize parties at home, in schools, or in community centers.

The Treats

• Remind children not to eat any of their treats until they get home.
• Parents should check all treats at home in a well-lighted area and dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, has been opened, or is not wrapped.
• Remember to also inspect fruits for anything suspicious.