20 Halloween Safety Tips

That Every Little Ghoul Can Follow

That joyous day is fast approaching. The day that every little boy and girl loves – Halloween.

Unfortunately, there are all kinds of dangers for our children, and parents these days might not be so happy to have their children wandering the streets.

These Halloween safety tips will keep your children safe and let you have a great Halloween evening. The reality is, twice as many kids are hit by a car while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year.

It is important to set the rules so your kids know what to expect. My family has even gone as far as taking the candy away if the rules are not followed.

Unhappy kids? Sure!

But safety is more important than taking risks. Consider which of these Halloween safety tips is appropriate for your family.

Costume Rules

1. No long and trailing or loose and flowing costumes if you are treating in the neighborhood. Children can easily trip over their costume, so this may just be an accident waiting to happen. Their costume should not interfere with a child’s ability to walk safely.
2. Large shoes can trip a trick or treater. These might work best if you are going to trick or treat at the mall or your church, but not on the “open road.”
3. Make sure that mask eye holes are big enough for your child to see to the side. This might mean cutting bigger openings and ruining the “look”.
4. Skip the mask altogether and apply makeup instead. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and, more importantly, they can obstruct a child’s vision — a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.
5. Make sure costumes are visible at night. If a costume is not light-colored, put reflective tape on the back and front of it.

On the Sidewalk Rules

1. Use flashlights or glow sticks so you are easily seen.
2. Hopefully, families are using battery operated candles this season, but if not, stay away from open flames.
3. Younger children should Trick-or-treat while it is still light out.
4. Older children should trick-or-treat in a predetermined area. Parents and their children should map out a safe route together. This way the parents will know which route their children are taking.
5. Trick-or-treat with friends. Parents should know which friends their children will be with.
6. Be aware of traffic. Use sidewalks, when they can and if there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic.
7. Avoid animals and pets which may become upset by masks and costumes.

At the Door Safety Tips

1. Don’t go to a house that is not well light (or don’t have their light on at all!)
2. Always go with friends next to you or parents at the curb.
3. Only visit the houses of neighbors they know.

Before You Eat  Safety Tips

1. Do not to sample treats until they are home and the treats have been examined by an adult.
2. Remind kids not to eat everything at once or they’ll be feeling pretty ghoulish for awhile!
3. Throw away anything opened, partially unwrapped or not in its original wrapper. Carefully check all wrappers for signs of tampering.
4. Wash, cut and inspect all fruit.
5. Inspect homemade goodies for anything suspicious. If there are any suspicious treats, call the police.

Consider . . .

• Attending “haunted houses” and Halloween festivities organized by trusted community members.
• Plan a Trunk or Treat Party with the members of your church or other organization.
• Have a Halloween party in your home for your children’s friends and other neighborhood children.
• Trick or Treat the local Shopping Mall.
• Go to a local neighborhood that has sidewalks and overhead lighting if yours does not.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween this year! What other safety tips will you put into place this Halloween? Share your ideas in the comments below.