Halloween Safety Tips

Trick-or-Treaters: Safety Tips

• Carry a flashlight
• Walk—don’t run
• Stay on sidewalks and obey traffic signals
• Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods
• Don’t cut across yards or driveways
• Wear a watch you can read in the dark
• Ensure costumes don’t drag on the ground
• Shoes should fit (even if they don’t match your costume)
• Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house
• Carry only soft, flexible props like swords or knives
• If no sidewalk is available, walk on the left side facing traffic
• Wear reflective tape or markings for visibility
• Visit only well-lit houses
• Stay away from and don’t pet unfamiliar animals

Parents: Tips for a Safe Halloween

• Have your child eat dinner before going out
• Kids should carry quarters or a phone to call home if needed
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• If kids go out alone, make sure they wear a readable watch
• Choose flame-retardant costumes if buying ready-made
• Older kids should know where to reach you and when to be home
• You should know where they’re going
• Though rare, inspect all candy before allowing them to eat it
• Discard anything with suspicious or damaged packaging

Homeowners: Prepare for Safe Visitors

• Clear your yard of tripping hazards like hoses, leashes, ladders, and flower pots
• Pets may get frightened—secure them indoors to prevent accidents
• Use battery-powered candles in jack-o’-lanterns instead of real flames
• If using real candles, keep pumpkins away from foot traffic
• Ensure paper or cloth decorations won’t blow into flames

Healthy & Non-Food Treat Alternatives

• Healthy snacks: mini packs of crackers with cheese or peanut butter, fruit rolls, raisin boxes, microwave popcorn, or “Kick or Treat” martial arts passes
• Non-food items: plastic rings, pencils, erasers, stickers, coins, or martial arts class passes