Halloween Safety Tips

Safety For The Trickers

• Have children carry a flashlight.

• Only allow them to visit homes that you know.

• Accompany your child when trick or treating. Older children should stay in groups if no parent is present.

• Keep costumes short and remind children to stay away from pumpkins that have candles in them. Flame resistant costumes are best.

• Remind children to stay away from pets they do not know.

• Remind children of road safety rules. Do not criss-cross the road. They should go up one side of the road, and down the other side.

• If you are driving your children, please drive slowly. Keep your lights on, and be cautious when pulling to the side of the road.

• Children should NEVER eat any treats until parents have had a chance to go through them and inspect them. Look for tampering of packages and discard any that appear even the slightest bit unsafe.

• Children should wear their own shoes when trick or treating. Wearing costume shoes/boots can be dangerous and uncomfortable.

• Remind children that not everyone celebrates Halloween and to avoid homes when the lights are off. Also remind children not to run through neighbors yards or gardens.

Safety For The Treaters

• Have your treats prepared by the door so you don't have to go hunting for them when the tricksters come.

• Create a unique way to hand out treats, in a carved out pumpkin or basket.

• Clear your yard and walkways, remove any obstacles

• Position pumpkins with candles in them in an area that is safe and children will not trip on them.

• Consider using flashlights instead of candles.

• Replace and lights or bulbs that are burnt out so area is brightly lit where tricksters will arrive.

• Nutrition is not a consideration at Halloween. Those parents who are concerned about nutrition generally do not let their children go out trick or treating. If you give out raisins, apples, granola or wheat germ it is likely to end up all over your front yard.

• If you plan on dressing up to greet tricksters remember that some younger children may be frightened of your costume. Try to avoid scaring small children.