As Halloween approaches, children and adults alike are excited to celebrate! The fun of dressing up, trick-or-treating, and gathering with friends can make this holiday one of the most enjoyable of the year. However, it’s essential to remember that Halloween presents some unique safety risks. Whether you’re trick-or-treating with your children or attending a Halloween party, following these Halloween safety tips can help ensure everyone has a good time without any real-life scares!
Costume Safety
Choose Flame-Resistant Costumes: Look for labels that indicate the costume is flame-resistant. This is especially important if your child will be near candles or open flames, like those found in jack-o’-lanterns.
Proper Fit: Costumes should be the right size to prevent trips and falls. Long, flowing costumes and oversized shoes or masks can easily lead to accidents.
Visibility: Try finding a costume that is bright or has reflective elements. If your child’s costume is dark, add reflective tape or give them glow sticks or flashlights to carry. If they have a mask, ensure that it does not obstruct their vision.
Non-Toxic Makeup: Test face paint or makeup on a small patch of skin beforehand to check for allergies. Be sure to wash it off thoroughly at the end of the night to avoid irritation.
Trick-Or-Treating
Accompany Young Children: Children under 12 should always be supervised by an adult. Older children should stick to familiar, well-lit areas, and travel in groups.
Plan a Route: Make sure you agree on a pre-determined route and a time to return home. Encourage children to only visit houses with porch lights on and never enter a home or car for candy.
Stick to Sidewalks: If sidewalks are available, use them. If not, walk on the far edge of the road and face traffic. Avoid cutting across yards to reduce the risk of tripping or encountering hazards.
Cross Streets Safely: Look both ways before crossing, and cross at designated crosswalks. Remind kids to avoid running across streets and to stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
Candy Safety
Inspect Treats: Check your child’s candy haul before they start eating. Throw away any unwrapped, torn, or suspicious-looking items. Avoid homemade treats unless you know and trust the source.
Allergen Awareness: Be mindful of any food allergies your child may have, and avoid candies that may contain allergens. It’s also a good idea to provide allergy-friendly alternatives for trick-or-treaters who come to your home.
Set Limits: Too much candy can lead to an upset stomach. Set guidelines for how much candy your child can eat in one sitting and encourage them to enjoy their treats in moderation.
Safety at Home
Carving Pumpkins: If you’re carving a pumpkin, make sure children are supervised. Instead of traditional candles, consider using battery-operated candles or glow sticks inside your jack-o’-lantern to reduce the fire risk.
Clear Pathways: Make sure your driveway, sidewalk, and front porch are well-lit and free of obstacles like decorations, garden hoses, or toys. This can prevent trips and falls for trick-or-treaters.
Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors and away from the front door if they tend to get anxious around strangers or are startled by loud noises. This will help prevent any accidental escapes or injuries.
Safety for Drivers
Slow Down: Be especially cautious in residential areas where trick-or-treaters are likely to be out in large numbers. Drive slowly and stay alert for children darting into the street.
No Distractions: Avoid using your phone or any other distractions while driving, especially during prime trick-or-treating hours).
Watch for Pedestrians: Kids can be unpredictable, so watch carefully for them as they cross the road, especially in areas where visibility may be limited.
Party Safety
Drink Responsibly: If you’re attending a Halloween party, make sure to drink responsibly. If alcohol is involved, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare app, or arrange for other transportation.
Safe Decorations: Avoid using open flames, which can be hazardous, especially if guests are wearing costumes that may catch fire. Use LED candles or other safe lighting options.
Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and celebration. By taking these simple precautions, you can make sure that your night is filled with joy instead of accidents. Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and have a happy Halloween!
Paramus Health Department 