Ahead of Halloween, the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and the American Red Cross in the Greater New York region shared important tips to help keep New York City’s children safe.

“ACS is helping to make sure families have the tools they need to keep their children safe and, as part of that work, we’re providing New Yorkers with important tips to keep in mind this year when trick-or-treating. Some important Halloween safety tips include: making sure that a parent or responsible adult is always accompanying young children as they go trick-or-treating, always looking both ways when crossing the street, and making sure that an adult is checking the goodies before eating to ensure there are no choking hazards. ACS is proud to partner with the American Red Cross once again on this important Halloween safety initiative,” said Commissioner Jess Dannhauser.

“Halloween is just days away and as our little super heroes, cartoon and television characters prepare to be out in their neighborhoods for trick or treat fun, we are so proud to partner with ACS to keep New Yorkers safe. We encourage community members to review and follow these Halloween tips to help keep the kids safe while enjoying the festivities. And don’t forget to prepare your home or business to welcome trick-or-treaters by making sure the area is well lit so young visitors can see and clearing your porch or stoop of obstacles someone could trip over,” said Celena Sarillo, interim CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York.

Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.

1. Give children a flashlight to light their way so they don’t trip or get hurt.
2. Wear light-colored clothing and add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags so kids are easier to see in the dark.

Choose safe costumes.

1. Use flame-resistant costumes.
2. Try on costumes ahead of time to make sure children can see properly through masks or headwear.

Children should never trick or treat alone.

1. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children.
2. Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance.

Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.

1. Walk, don’t run.
2. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner and with the green light/walk sign.
3. Don’t cross between parked cars.
4. Never walk through alleys or cut across yards. Only cross the street in designated crosswalks.
5. Adults should use extra caution if driving. Trick-or-treaters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.

Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

1. Children shouldn’t go inside a stranger’s home.
2. It’s not only vampires and monsters children have to look out for. Children and adults should be cautious around animals and pets.

Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating.

1. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
2. Discard any items with brand names with which you are not familiar.

Leave the pumpkin carving to adults.

1. Small children should never carve pumpkins. Instead, let them draw a face with markers.
2. Use a flashlight or glowstick to light the pumpkin instead of a candle.