Whether it’s dressing up in a colorful costume, trick or treating with friends, or enjoying the candy collected afterward, Halloween is often a fun rite of passage for children.
For caregivers, however, the primary goal for the holiday is that their children remain safe. To learn the best methods for Halloween safety, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh have put together lists of safety tips.
Younger children - pre-school age or toddlers - might be afraid of the scary aspects of Halloween, so talking to them in advance about the difference between reality and make-believe is important.
Even more significant is making sure that all children have adult supervision when trick or treating – no child should be taking part in the activity alone.
Costume Safety
Wearing a costume can be one of the most fun elements of Halloween activities, but there are some pointers that could make the experience safer and more comfortable for participants. These include:
Make sure costumes fit properly; loose-fitting ones can cause a child to trip and fall.
Use make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
Make sure that costumes are made of fire-resistant material and bright colors. If you choose a dark color, add reflective tape so the trick-or-treater can be seen by drivers.
Avoid sharp objects as accessories.
Make sure that costumes are large enough to permit warm clothes under it if the temperature is lower.
Ensure that face paint or make-up ingredients labels say “made with U.S.-approved colored additives,” “laboratory tested,” “non-toxic,” or “meets federal standards for cosmetics.”
Safety Tips for Homeowners
There are a number of ways that homeowners - especially those who are handing out candy - can ensure a safe evening for trick or treaters. For starters, keeping outside lights on all night makes it easier for children to see where they are going and deters vandalism.
It is important to make sure that walks and pathways are clear of debris, leaves, garden equipment, and decorations. Swimming pool owners should be sure that the pool cover is secure and gates are locked, while cars, bikes, sprinklers, and other items should be locked inside a garage or elsewhere to deter theft or vandalism.
Other tips include:
If a pumpkin is smashed on your sidewalk, clean up the slippery goo.
Pet owners should keep their dog away from the door, especially if it is not used to visitors.
Make sure that railings leading up your steps are in good repair.
Drivers should go slowly in case of children darting out into the streets.
Other Safety Tips
Other important safety tips to ensure that children remain safe on Halloween include:
Children or adults should carry flashlights and trick or treaters should have bright bags for candy.
Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods and know in advance the route that older children are taking. Make sure children do not approach unlit homes.
Set a curfew and make sure your child has a watch; give them money to call home if necessary.
Instruct children not to eat any treats until they get home and have them checked by an adult; dispose of any candy that has loose or open wrappers. Contact police if any treats have been tampered with.
Stay on sidewalks and avoid crossing yards. Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks when possible, and do not cross between parked cars.