How To Be Safe This Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone. Source: Canva Pro

Halloween, the spookiest day of the year, is almost upon us. That’s when all the witches, ghosts, and ghouls (along with every other imaginable character) come out seeking their ultimate prize—lots of candy.

Below are several tips and tricks you can follow to keep you and your family safe during the day’s adventures.

Choosing Costumes Wisely

Finding the perfect costume can be quite an endeavor. Are you going for silly or scary? How about that amazing superhero you love? The possibilities are nearly endless.

With so much to choose from, you can easily overlook some aspects that may affect your safety.

• Clothing shouldn’t extend onto the floor.

Size matters. Whether it’s a cape, dress, or costume accessory, nothing should reach the floor. Otherwise, it becomes a potential tripping hazard.

• If possible, avoid wearing face masks, which may obstruct your field of vision.

If you can’t see everything without restriction, you’re an accident waiting to happen. Bumping into people or things, knocking stuff over, and tripping are all real possibilities. Also, be aware that masks extending past your chin may stop you from bending your head down far enough to go down steps safely.

• If you wear a mask, position it towards the top of your head until you are on the front porch awaiting treats.

Wearing your mask like a baseball cap keeps it conveniently out of your way while moving about. As you wait for the door to open, you can pull the mask down into position.

• Make sure to dress for the weather.

Don’t be miserable while on your night’s hauntings. If it’s cold or there’s potential for rain or snow, dress accordingly.

Setting Up Your Front Porch Area For Little Visitors

All those costumed creatures depend upon you providing an appropriate space for their arrival. With that in mind, stage your area with care.

• Keep the area well-lit.

Turn on your porch lights. Check your lighting before that night to ensure the bulbs haven’t burnt out unexpectedly.

• Clear off any fallen leaves, as someone may slip on them.

Scattered autumn leaves on the ground, as trees prepare for the approaching winter, are a nuisance. People could slip and fall if they step on them just right, especially if the ground is wet.

• Remove anything from the steps or entryway that could be a hazard.

Remember, kids tend to eagerly bunch together at the door in their quest for treats, taking up more space than they would otherwise. Keep obstacles, such as porch furniture, out of the way. Halloween decorations look fantastic. But don’t place them on steps, where it’s easier to trip on them.

• Never use real candles in your decorations.

Pumpkins are a mainstay around Halloween. If you light up your carved pumpkin, do so only with a battery-operated candle. Unfortunately, fires from using real candles happen every year.

Driving Safely Halloween Night

Kids (and the adults they bring with them) are excited and quite likely thinking about their next candy stop. As such, looking out for cars is not always at the top of their list of things to do.

On average, pedestrians are 45% more likely to get killed by a car on Halloween as compared to any other day of the year. Children are at the highest risk, with 4 to 8-year-olds having a tenfold increased chance of being killed.

For their sake, be very aware of your surroundings.

• Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially along the sides of the road and in roadway medians.

Many places don’t have sidewalks, forcing trick-or-treaters to walk along the side of the road (and sometimes sprawling further into the road itself). When trying to cross the street, people may pause within the median, waiting for traffic to clear.

• Be wary of people crossing the street unexpectedly.

On this night, people will often cross wherever is convenient for them. Scampering kids moving towards their next target may dart across the road without looking carefully first.

• Move in and out of driveways with care.

This is a terrific time for all of you not to notice each other. Ultimately, the responsibility is yours to ensure no one’s in your way before moving.

• Never assume that kids or adults see you.

Forget any “I have the right of way” mentality. The same goes for thinking that they must see your car. Their level of distraction can be high at times. Don’t let yours be the same. Take your time.

Trick-or-Treating Safely

There’s nothing quite like kids searching for a bounty of tasty treats, visiting as many houses as you’ll let them. Proceed with your hunt with anticipation but some caution as well.

• Use flashlights to see and be seen.

This applies to both kids and adults. Carrying bright glow sticks may be of some help as well. Consider placing a strip of reflective tape on candy bags and the back of costumes.

• Use the sidewalk. When there is none, remain as far off the road as possible.

If you must walk along the side of the road, stay towards the edge as best you can. When feasible, walk in the direction facing traffic.

• Never assume drivers see you or your kids.

Be cautious. Even when drivers are paying close attention, there’s often more happening around them than usual. Be patient and wait when needed, ensuring you and the driver understand who’s moving and who’s not.

• Older kids going without an adult should travel in a group and stay in your approved area.

Talk with them beforehand about what route you want them to take. Ideally, don’t have them go alone. Parents have differing opinions about what ages require adult supervision. You know your child's abilities and tendencies. However, remember that Halloween night is not a typical evening for distractions and hazards.

Checking the Candy

At the end of your successful candy-seeking mission, don’t sit back and relax too soon. Check your kids’ treasure trove of candy thoroughly.

• Closely inspect the candy to ensure the packaging shows no signs of tampering.

Throw away anything that’s opened, even if only slightly. Look for tiny pinholes in the packaging as well. Unfortunately, some real beasts enjoy a dangerous brand of mayhem on this day.

• Check all ingredients if your kids have any food allergies.

If you are unsure about what a particular candy does or doesn’t contain, toss it out.

• Be aware of choking hazards for smaller kids, such as gum and hard candies.

Even candies containing chewy caramel may not be appropriate for some kids. Don’t let them have anything inappropriate for their age or abilities.

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Infographic - Be Safe This Halloween Source: graphics from and compiled in Canva Pro

As the saying goes—the devil’s in the details. With the proper knowledge, everyone can help everyone else be safe on Halloween.

Hope your day remains safe and full of scary fun!