Halloween Safety Tips for Motorists
If you’ll be driving on Halloween, keep these precautions in mind to protect trick-or-treaters and yourself:
• Stay alert for increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic, especially in residential areas.
• Be cautious where vehicles are parked along streets; children may dart out unexpectedly.
• Watch for children walking in the street, particularly in neighborhoods without sidewalks.
• Drive slowly and patiently. Children may have limited vision or hearing due to costumes and may not assess traffic threats as well as adults.
Halloween Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Halloween excitement can sometimes lead to risks. Ensure your children are safe by following these guidelines:
• Equip children with flashlights or glow sticks for visibility.
• Dress kids in light-colored costumes or add reflective elements. High-visibility vests are also helpful.
• Opt for face paints or makeup over masks to avoid impairing their vision.
• Ensure costumes are well-fitting and comfortable, with sturdy shoes.
• Accompany young children or ensure they are supervised by a responsible adult.
• Avoid capes or accessories that may catch on structures or cause injury.
• Use flexible props (e.g., swords, pitchforks) with smooth tips to prevent accidents.
• Have children exit vehicles on the curbside, not the traffic side.
• Inspect all candy before it’s eaten.
• Avoid letting children bike, rollerblade, or skateboard in costumes.
• Place identification (name, address, phone) within the costume or on the child’s arm or wrist.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 and remember their home phone number in case of an emergency.
Safety Reminders for Trick-or-Treaters
Review these essential tips with your kids to help them stay safe while trick-or-treating:
• Never assume right-of-way when crossing a street; always wait for cars to fully stop.
• Be cautious around strangers and only visit well-lit homes with porch lights on.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Stick to well-lit streets, stay on sidewalks, and avoid cutting through yards.
• Always double-check for cars when crossing streets.
• Avoid unknown animals unless permitted by an adult.
• Do not eat any candy until a parent or guardian has inspected it.
Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners
If you’re hosting trick-or-treaters, take steps to make your home safe for visiting children:
• Turn on porch lights or other exterior lighting for visibility.
• Clear any tripping hazards from your yard or walkways.
• Secure pets indoors or keep them leashed to avoid incidents.
• Consider distributing candy from your driveway or garage to reduce crowding.
• Keep candles, including Jack-o-Lanterns, out of children’s reach.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with Halloween lights or special effects.
By following these Halloween safety tips, everyone can help make the holiday a fun, enjoyable, and safe experience for our community.
