Halloween Safety Guide 

Carve Carefully

Carving pumpkins is a fall classic that many kids get super excited about. Picking a fun design, showing off your creativity to your friends and family, and diving into all the gooey pumpkin guts! Make sure your kids don't go out of their gourd, make carving a family activity! Talk to your kids about safety around sharp objects, and do the carving for them. Help them feel like a part of the process by letting them guide you on where to cut.

Skip the Point

Some parents may elect to skip carving all together, and that is completely ok! There are still plenty of alternatives to carving! Decorate with markers, glitter glue, or paint! Let your little ones go crazy! (Make sure to lay down some newspaper or a shower liner for easy clean up!) Consider printing out designs and gluing them onto pumpkins! These options will also make your pumpkins last a lot longer and can be done weeks before Halloween without them getting squishy too fast!

Flame Risk

Use candles inside carved pumpkins very carefully. Place pumpkins with candles on a sturdy surface, away from flammable curtains or décor. Never leave a candlelit pumpkin unattended. Blow out the candle and relight it later if need be. Also consider battery operated candles, glow sticks, or flashlights.

Light the Way

If decorating the front yard for Trick or Treaters, make sure the path is well lit. Everyone coming up to your candy station should be able to see any potential hazards or fall risks.

Cords and Wires

If decorating with lights and extension cords, make sure that they aren't in the way where they could be tripped on. 

Light it Up!

Safely. Replace all broken and burnt out light bulbs. Turn on the light by your front door to signal to trick or treaters that you have candy for them! Turn it off when you run out.

Establish a Perimeter

Line your front yard with a fence, décor, or tape to discourage trick or treaters from going into the grass. Grass can be wet and slippery, sticks and landscaping can pose hazards to kiddos in a sugar rush.

Strobe Lights

When going all out with the spooky aesthetic, many will opt for strobe lights. Be careful with the speed or even presence of flashing lights, as these could potentially pose a seizure risk for trick or treaters.

Bright Colors

When picking a costume with your child, make sure to aim for bright, vibrant colors. These colors will be easier to see in low lighting or pick out in a crowd.

The Right Fit

Make sure that costumes fit correctly and are not too loose or tight. Costumes should be comfortable and able to fit warm clothes underneath if need be. (You know how unpredictable October weather can be) Check hems and capes are short enough that they won't be tripped on. Avoid high heels, and oversized shoes to prevent falls.

Fabric Matters

With lots of candle lit pumpkins and bonfires, make sure that costumes are made from non flammable/ flame retardant materials, like nylon or polyester.

Masks

Face masks that cover the whole head can obstruct the vision of trick or treaters. Certain materials can also make it hard to breathe. Consider choosing face paint or makeup.

Face Paint and Makeup

If opting for face paints and make up, test out products on skin first, before applying it to the face. Make sure to read the directions for proper removal of the product. Improper removal of the product can cause redness and irritation. Be sure to look for any adverse reactions to the product, before applying it to the face.

Eye of the Beholder

FX contacts can be super cool and the perfect touch to any costume. Be very careful however when purchasing contact lenses. Always make sure that the contacts are prescription and fit to your eye. Poor fitting lenses and generic costume lenses can cause serious eye damage and irritation. 

Wigs

Make sure wigs and beards don't cover eyes, noses, or mouths. 

Plan Ahead

Know your candy route, before it gets dark. Only go to houses you know and are well lit. Talk to kids about stranger danger and boundaries. It's ok not to say “trick or treat” or do stunts for candy. Prepare a safe word or phrase so that your little ones can let you know that they are uncomfortable. Remember, Halloween is supposed to be fun! There is no need to spoil the treat with uncomfortable situations. Pick a place to meet if your child gets separated from you or the group.

Safety in Numbers

Many professional organizations recommend parents accompany their kids on their candy route if they are under 12 years old. If your child is going out alone, send them in a group of 3 or more.

Be Seen!

Put reflective tape on costumes and candy bags. Carry flashlights and or glow sticks. It's best to be seen and avoid danger!

Phone Numbers

Pin the child’s name and your phone number to their costume. If possible, give them a cell phone to use in case of an emergency. Make sure you review how to call 911. For more information on explaining emergency services to your child, visit the resource below.

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/911.html#catout

Wait for that Sweet Treat! 

It's best to wait until you get home to dive into the candy. It's important to check candy for tears, holes, or other imperfections that could spoil or make the candy gross. Be aware of allergens in the candy that can affect your household. To learn how to identify an allergic reaction, visit the resource below.

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/allergic-reaction-sheet.html#catsheets

Pet Safety

Practice pet safety! Watch out for animals, both on and off leash. If you have pets, make sure that they are away from trick or treaters and feel comfortable in their environment. Make sure that they are secure and can't escape from their enclosures if spooked. Talk to your kids about petting a stranger’s animal and respecting the boundaries of reactive and service animals. Pet owners and handlers know their pets and should always be asked to approach to avoid risks to both the animal and child.

 Remember! Service animals have a job to do and should be left alone to do that job. If they are wearing a vest, they are not available for petting! It's important for the safety of the animal, their handler, and your family to respect the boundaries of pets and their owners.