As ghosts and vampires get ready to roam the streets, we offer these tips to make this a frightfully safe Halloween:
Costume Safety
Whether a child wants to be a princess, a monster or a superhero for Halloween, parents can help keep it safe by:
- Adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Using flame-resistant costumes.
- Using face makeup instead of masks, which can cover eyes and make it hard to see.
Navigating the Neighborhood
To maximize safety, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.
Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:
- Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
- Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
- Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
- Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
- Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
Trick or Treat!
For those who expect to greet trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:
- Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
- Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
- Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
- Restrain pets.
- Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.
American Red Cross 