Skip to main content

Millcreek Journal

Halloween safety tips for families: keeping kids safe while trick-or-treating

Oct 02, 2024 03:18PM ● By Bailey Chism

(Adobe Stock)

Halloween is a time for costumes, candy and a lot of fun for kids and families. But as exciting as the holiday can be, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. Halloween often takes place in the dark, with many people out on the streets, creating potential risks, especially for young children. If you’re planning on taking your kids trick-or-treating this Halloween, here are some essential safety tips to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe experience.

Costume Safety

Costumes are a big part of Halloween, but they should be chosen with safety in mind. Here are some key tips to ensure your child’s costume is both fun and safe:

Visibility: Dark costumes may look spooky, but they can make it hard for drivers to see your child. Consider incorporating reflective tape into costumes or having your child carry glow sticks or flashlights. Bright costumes or ones with reflective patches are ideal for better visibility.

Proper Fit: Ensure that your child’s costume fits properly. Costumes that are too long can cause tripping, while masks that cover the face can restrict vision or breathing. Instead of masks, consider using face paint or makeup to create the desired look while keeping your child’s face unobstructed.

Flame Resistance: Check the label to make sure costumes, wigs, and accessories are flame-resistant. Jack-o'-lanterns and other Halloween decorations often use candles, making fire-resistant costumes a must.

Accessories: If your child’s costume includes props such as swords or other accessories, ensure they are soft and flexible to avoid injury.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Trick-or-treating is the highlight of Halloween for many kids, but it’s also a time when safety should be a top priority.

Adult Supervision: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult while trick-or-treating. For older children who want to go with friends, make sure they follow a pre-planned route and stick to familiar neighborhoods.

Group Travel: Trick-or-treating in groups is safer and more fun for children. Make sure your child stays with their group and does not wander off alone.

Crossing Streets: The excitement of Halloween can make kids forget basic road safety rules. Remind them to always use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the street, and never run across the road. Walk, don’t run, from house to house.

Stay on the Sidewalk: Whenever possible, stay on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and stay as far off the road as possible. Avoid shortcuts through alleys or poorly lit areas.

Safe Households: Encourage your kids to only visit homes with porch lights on, which signal that they are welcoming trick-or-treaters. Never enter a stranger’s house, even if invited in.

Curfew: Set a reasonable curfew for older children who may want to trick-or-treat without an adult. Make sure they know how to contact you and that they understand the importance of staying with their group.

Candy Safety

The promise of candy is what drives trick-or-treaters, but it's important to be cautious about what ends up in your child’s Halloween bag.

Inspect the Candy: Before your child digs into their haul, take the time to inspect the candy. Throw away any candy with open wrappers, unusual packaging, or anything that looks suspicious. Homemade treats from strangers should be avoided.

Allergies: If your child has food allergies, be especially cautious. Teach them to recognize and avoid treats that might contain allergens, and consider carrying an epinephrine injector if necessary. Some homes now participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, offering non-food treats for children with allergies.

Portion Control: Halloween can quickly turn into a sugar overload. To prevent your child from consuming too much candy at once, consider limiting how much they can have each day after Halloween. This not only prevents tummy aches but also helps with dental health.

Street and Traffic Awareness

Halloween night brings more pedestrian traffic, especially with children excitedly running between houses. In addition, motorists may not always be paying full attention due to the holiday atmosphere. Here are some tips to stay safe around traffic:

Drivers: Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween. It’s a good idea to slow down in residential neighborhoods and keep an eye out for kids who might dart out into the road.

Avoid Distracted Walking: If your child is carrying a phone, encourage them to put it away while walking. They should be aware of their surroundings and focused on where they are going.

Driveways: Be cautious when crossing driveways, as some vehicles might be pulling in or out. Encourage your kids to stop and look before walking across any driveway.

Weather Preparedness

In many areas, Halloween falls during chilly weather. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the temperature.

Layers: If it’s cold outside, dress your child in layers under their costume to keep them warm. Ensure they are still able to move comfortably and that the layers do not cause overheating indoors.

Footwear: Comfortable, well-fitting shoes are essential. Although it might be tempting to wear costume-related shoes, like princess heels or superhero boots, ensure your child wears something that provides good support and is easy to walk in for extended periods.

Home Safety

If you’re planning to hand out candy from home, take a few steps to make your house safe for trick-or-treaters.

Clear Pathways: Make sure your driveway, stairs, and walkways are clear of obstacles such as toys, garden tools, or decorations that could cause someone to trip.

Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential. Keep your porch light on and consider adding extra lighting along the walkway to help guide visitors to your door safely.

Pet Safety: If you have pets, it’s a good idea to keep them inside and away from the front door. Halloween can be stressful for animals, and frequent visitors can increase the chances of pets running out or becoming frightened.