In amongst all the trick-or-treating at Halloween time, the best treat of all is to have every ghost and goblin return home safely!
Here are some tips and resources to help children have a safe and healthy Halloween!
Trick-or-Treat Safety
- Wear reflective clothing and/or carry a flashlight
- Stay in familiar neighborhoods
- Do not go inside a house while trick-or-treating there
- Trick-or-treat in well-lit areas of town
- Children under 9 should go with a parent
- Children over 9 should go with an adult and/or in a group with older, responsible children
- Make your home trick-or-treater friendly: turn on outside lights, clear away objects and debris from driveways, steps and lawns
Street Safety
- Walk, don't run
- Walk facing traffic
- Use the sidewalk whenever possible
- Cross at street corners and use crosswalks if available
- Go down one side of the street, then the other...don't dart from side to side
- Drivers - slow down and watch for children
Costume Safety
- Have children wear a costume and shoes that they won't trip in
- Wear face paint instead of a mask
Fire Safety
- Buy 'flame resistant' costumes
- Remember to blow out all candles before bed, including those inside pumpkins
- Teach children to tell an adult if they find fireworks, but not to touch them
Treat Safety
- Hard candy, nuts, popcorn and gum are a choking hazard for children under 4
- An adult should check through all treats - throw out any treats that don't have a completely sealed wrapper