Halloween is one of the most enjoyed holidays for both parents and children alike. We hope that everyone has a safe and happy time, whether you’re trick-or-treating or hosting a costume party.

Scroll through each page for 10 important tips to consider for a safe Halloween!

Tip #1: Keep Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters and Party-Goers

  • Keep the walkway, driveway, and steps clear of leaves.
  • Clean up items that can be tripped over, such as garden hoses, toys, and bikes.
  • Make sure outside lights work and are turned on during trick-or-treat hours.
  • Keep pets indoors or leashed so they do not jump on or bite your guests.
  • Keep candles, luminaries, and jack-o’-lanterns away from the doorstep. If indoors, keep them away from curtains.

Tip #2: Test Makeup and Masks Before Wearing Them

Test all makeup and Halloween masks before you wear them. Allergic reactions can occur with certain materials, and many costumes can contain irritants and latex. Be very cautious if you plan to wear decorative contact lenses.

When in doubt, just don’t risk it!

Tip #3: Take Care When Carving Pumpkins

Take special care when carving pumpkins. Try painting or drawing instead.

Small children should always be supervised by an adult.

Tip #4: Never Go Trick-or-Treating Alone

Walk in groups and with a trusted adult. Children under the age of 13 should always have a responsible chaperone.

Tip #5: Increase Visibility

Add reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you. You can also wear brightly colored pinnies over costumes.

Tip #6: Plan Ahead for Older Children

Agree on a specific route and time when older kids should return home. Have kids take a cell phone, and make sure they know how to make emergency calls before you go out.

Take a flashlight while you trick-or-treat to help you see. You can use the flashlight on your cell phone if you forget!

Tip #7: Visit Only Well-Lit Houses

Only visit well-lit houses. Never enter a home unless you are attending a Halloween party or haunted house that you were invited to and are accompanied by trusted adults. Your neighbors should not ask you to go inside.

Tip #8: Practice Street Safety

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks and stay on the sidewalk.

Never run through yards or alleys to get to the next house faster.

Tip #9: Check Treats Before Eating Them

Check all candies and treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat so you don’t get an upset stomach.

Tip #10: Be Careful Around Open Flames

Be careful near open flames, such as candles, luminaries, and jack-o’-lanterns. If possible, wear a costume that is flame-resistant.

Sources

All content on this website, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Special thanks to Sheryl Giordano, MSN, APRN-C, for her contribution to this article. She is a Nurse Practitioner and Program Coordinator for The Johns Hopkins Hospital.