Innocent Halloween fun can be full of hidden dangers. While keeping an eye out for ghosts and ghouls this year, pay attention to these other factors that might put your family at risk.
Halloween Costume Safety
Children are ecstatic to select a Halloween costume each year and dress up as their favorite characters, but there are several things to keep in mind as you plan out your Halloween wear:
- Select costumes that are made of fire-resistant material.
- Avoid masks that restrict vision.
- Make sure outfits fit well, and do not have any dragging pieces that may inhibit walking or running, or cause tripping.
- Use non-toxic makeup and be sure to remove it completely before going to bed to prevent skin irritation.
- Wash hands completely before using or removing colored contact lenses.
Halloween Pedestrian Safety
On Halloween, kids are twice as likely to be hit by a car than on any other day of the year. Exercise caution while walking with your children and make sure older children who venture on their own are aware of risks.
- Cross at intersections with crosswalks and traffic lights.
- Wear or hold a flashlight, glow sticks, or reflective tape after dark.
- Stay on the sidewalks, along paths, and check driveways before crossing.
- Plan a direct route with the fewest possible street crossings.
Halloween Teen Safety
Halloween is a fun holiday for all ages. Teenagers often look forward to a night out with their friends, an abundance of sweets, and enjoying some independence. If your teenager is going trick-or-treating with their friends, plan to speak with them about safety concerns in advance.
- Agree on a curfew and check-in times to call or text.
- Teach your child to never go into a car or a house with a stranger and how to call for help if approached.
- Plan a route with your teen and walk it ahead of time.
- If your teen is attending a party, speak to the host parents to make sure it is chaperoned.
- Speak with your teen about alcohol and drugs and what to do if they are offered anything.
- Be available to pick up your teen if needed.
Halloween Safety While Driving
With an influx of pedestrian traffic it is important for drivers to be vigilant of their surroundings on Halloween, especially as evening approaches and more people begin trick-or-treating.
- Stay alert, and stay off electronic devices.
- Slow down, especially in neighborhoods.
- Enter and exit driveways, side streets, and parking lots with an abundance of caution.
- Keep in mind that popular trick-or-treat hours are between 5-9pm.
Halloween Safety and Covid 19
While in the midst of a pandemic, many parents still have concerns about holiday gatherings. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in an interview on September 26, that while parents should exercise caution, it is generally safe to be trick-or-treating.
- Plan to stay in small groups and avoid large gatherings.
- Open-air venues remain the best option.
- Trunk-or-treating* is an alternative to trick-or-treating and is typically done in more of a controlled, outdoor environment.
Use these tips to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween with your family.
*Trunk-or-treating is when communities organize in a designated space so that children can trick-or-treat out of decorated trunks of cars, wagons or golf carts.