Halloween Safety Tips and Tricks for Everyone

How to Have a Safe and Happy Halloween Holiday Experience

Oct 5, 2009 Deborah Read

Keeping children safe is the first priority with parents. Halloween night can be a safety challenge but these tips and tricks will keep the night safe and happy for all.

Keeping kids safe on Halloween night is everyone's responsibility. All it takes is a little thought and consideration when planning for the evening's fun and festivities. All parents are somewhat uneasy when allowing children to venture out into the night but with careful consideration and simple rules, the night can be a safe time for all. Halloween night safety is for everyone.

Safety Tips and Tricks for Yards and Doorways

Take a critical look at the front yard and entrance way and consider how easily people large and small will be able to navigate the path in the dark.

Are there any obstructions on the sidewalk?
Is the sidewalk and doorway well lit, welcoming the trick or treaters to visit? (Consider adding some homemade luminaries to the walkway to create a brighter, safer entry.)
If there is a fun Halloween 'surprise' on the front step, is there a falling danger if children are suddenly startled by a sight or sound?
Is the Jack O'Lantern display away from where children will be?
If there is a dog on the premises, is it penned up or safely away in another part of the house where it can't get to unsuspecting toddlers or parents?

Tips and Tricks for Costume Safety

Check store-bought costumes for the degree of fire retardancy that the fabric allows. If making homemade costumes, a spray can of fire retardant is a simple way to keep the wearer safe.
Costumes should be easy to move in and not obstruct a child's eyesight in any way. For this reason, Halloween masks are used less often than make-up now, as they can limit clear or peripheral vision.
If a mask must be used, ensure that it is far from the edges of the eyes and that it is comfortably snug; a mask that keeps slipping down over eyes is a safety hazard.

Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

Children should carry flashlights and wear reflective tape on their costumes for greater visibility to drivers.
For small children, a small flashlight with fresh batteries hung from a child's waist will make spotting a trick or treater that much easier. The movement of the light while walking will alert drivers immediately.
Standard rules dictate that children are only to visit homes they know. It is wise to venture only where there are outside lights and to be extremely careful when crossing yards, paths or streets in pursuit of Halloween candy.
Children should never trick-or-treat alone. Parents should escort their own children or volunteer to join together with children from a few families. This way there are still moms or dads at home to welcome other trick or treaters.
Advise children that all candy must be inspected for safety before any can be eaten.
Some families will give homemade treats to children in an effort to save money but most parents simply throw these away. There is too much uncertainty with the contents of whole fruits (i.e. apples, oranges) or homemade treats. A child who suffers from food allergies won't be able to safely eat them anyway. Stick to brand name treats and the little ones won't be disappointed.

Safety is the Key to a Fun Halloween Night

Safety for Halloween is mostly common sense. If all parents add these tips and tricks to their Halloween night plans, the events and outcome of the evening will be safer and more fun for everyone.

Happy Halloween!