Wishing you a Fun and Safe Halloween

Posted on 10/20/2026

Halloween can be a fun holiday for kids, but a worrisome one for parents. Concerns about children's safety--whether they are out in the neighborhood or back home with bags of booty--can darken the day more quickly than a black cat. But not to worry! To make Halloween a treat, follow these safety tips.

Practice essential safety rules for walking, costumes, and home setups to keep trick-or-treaters safe on Halloween.

Walking and Traffic Safety

Cross at corners: Use designated crosswalks and traffic signals; look left, right, and left again before crossing.
Stay on sidewalks: Walk on paths or sidewalks; if none exist, walk on the far left side facing oncoming traffic.
Put devices down: Keep heads up, avoid texting or listening to music, and never run or dart out from between parked cars.
Watch for cars: Make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and remember that drivers may have trouble seeing pedestrians after dark.
Supervise young kids: Children under age 12 should always walk with an adult; older kids should stay in groups in familiar, well-lit areas.

Costumes and Visibility

Add reflective gear: Fasten reflective tape or strips to costumes and candy bags.
Carry lights: Give every child a flashlight or glow stick to see better and stand out to drivers.
Choose safe facewear: Use non-toxic face paint instead of masks that block vision, and avoid unprescribed decorative contact lenses.
Check costume fit: Make sure shoes fit well and hems are short enough to prevent tripping or falls.
Look for flame resistance: Buy wigs, accessories, and costumes labeled flame-resistant, and avoid trailing capes.

Treating and Candy Inspection

Wait until home: Do not let children eat treats while still out; inspect all candy at home first.
Discard open items: Throw away any unwrapped, loose, or suspicious-looking treats, as well as potential choking hazards.
Watch for allergies: Check ingredient labels for common food allergies (such as peanuts or tree nuts); look for homes displaying a teal pumpkin for allergy-safe treats.

Around the House

Clear walkways: Remove hoses, toys, and wet leaves from steps and pathways to prevent slips and falls.
Use flameless lights: Light jack-o'-lanterns with battery-operated tea lights, flashlights, or glow sticks instead of open flames.
Secure pets: Keep pets safely restrained inside so they do not get frightened or jump on visitors.

Motorists

Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. Be on the alert for excited youngsters, whose vision may be obscured by masks, darting out into traffic.