Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year
Halloween is not just for kids anymore. The holiday has become one of the most popular in the U.S. with people of all ages taking part in things like trick-or-treating, decorating homes and attending parties.
The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy the festivities safely, so we offer tips for all ages on how to have a great Halloween and stay safe while doing so.
COSTUME SAFETY Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
- Use face makeup instead of masks.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
- Use flame-resistant costumes and wigs.
- When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric so no one trips and falls.
- Avoid using decorative contact lenses to avoid problems with your eyes.
- If carving pumpkins, don’t use candles to light them. Instead, try battery-operated lights or glow sticks.
TRICK OR TREAT SAFETY A sad statistic - children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year
- Have your trick or treaters walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
- Drivers — use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing. As the sun goes down, watch for children in dark clothing.
- Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
- A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
- If older children are going alone, plan their route. Set a specific time they should return home. Teach them to only visit homes that have a porch light on, to accept treats at the door and never go inside.
- Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
- Walk, don’t run.
- Check all goodies before the kids dig in. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.
- If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, light the area well and sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear obstacles someone could trip over.
ADULT HALLOWEEN SAFETY The number of alcohol-related traffic incidents jumps around Halloween ─ in fact, many Halloween deaths can be linked to drivers who are impaired.
- If you are hosting a party, collect car keys from guests who are drinking. Provide non-alcoholic options. Have a plan to make sure guests get home safely – ride-sharing, taxis or, if you haven’t been drinking, drive guests home yourself.
- If drinking is part of your plans, choose a designated driver or plan how you will get home without getting behind the wheel. Is it possible to stay overnight?
YOUR PETS AND HALLOWEEN If you are going to welcome trick-or-treaters or host a party, keep your pets in a separate area away from the festivities.
- Make sure pets can’t get at any Halloween treats – the treats can be toxic for animals.
- If you’re considering a costume for your pet, make sure the animal is okay with the idea and that the costume doesn’t limit their movement or hamper their breathing or sight.
- Halloween can spook your pets, causing them to run away. Make sure your pet wears a pet ID. If they are going out after dark, make sure they wear a reflective collar and are securely leashed.
