Halloween

Halloween Costume Safety Tips


  • Be sure that the costume you choose allows you to buckle-up with your age appropriate child safety restraint
  • Costumes should be made of flame-retardant material
  • Costumes should not drag the ground or be excessively loose
  • Avoid wearing masks; make-up is safer
  • Wear comfortable, practical shoes (even if they don't match your outfit) & double-tie your shoelaces
  • Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic, and be sure that such props are flexible and do not have sharp edges or tips
  • Wear costumes with reflective markings and/or apply reflective tape to your costume and props

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips


  • Always trick-or-treat in groups, accompanied by an adult
  • Plan your route ahead of time
  • Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods
  • Stay on sidewalks and do not cut across yards
  • Cross only at intersections and obey all traffic signals
  • Only visit well lit houses
  • Do not go in houses; stay outside
  • Never accept rides from strangers
  • Do not approach unfamiliar pets or animals
  • Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings
  • Keep your costume, wig, props, etc., away from candles
  • Watch for cars backing up or turning
  • Wear glow necklaces and/or bracelets
  • Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries and/or glow sticks
  • Be polite and say "thank you"
  • Do not eat any candy before it has been inspected for tampering under bright lights by an adult
  • Throw away any treat that looks suspicious, is unwrapped, has loose wrappings, has puncture holes, etc.
  • Only eat homemade treats from people you know and trust

Safety Tips for Motorists


  • Do not use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving on Halloween or at any other time.
  • Do not text while driving on Halloween or at any other time.
  • Pay extra attention, particularly to crosswalks, intersections, and the side of the road. Kids tend to walk along the curbs, cutting across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning all around you as you drive, whether as through traffic or along with your kids as they trick-or-treat.
  • Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours. This will allow you to brake if you see a child dart in front of you.
  • Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway - they could be dropping off children.
  • When dropping off or picking up kids in an area, pull off the road into a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. If you go with your kids from door to door, leave the hazard lights on so other drivers can see your vehicle parked there.
  • Instruct your child to never get into the car of a stranger. It might be easy for your child to mistake someone else's car for their own. Put an easily identifiable object on your dashboard or in your window to make your car more recognizable for your children.