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.

“Halloween is a celebration for everyone – kids, adults, even pets – and with its growing popularity, safety becomes more important than ever,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO of the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “Whether you’re trick-or-treating, hosting a party or just enjoying the decorations, a few simple precautions can help ensure a fun and safe night for all.”

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.

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.

Home Halloween Safety

Keep the area safe for your family and visitors.

• 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.
• If carving pumpkins, don’t use candles to light them. Instead, try battery-operated lights or glow sticks.
• Test your smoke alarms. While this is an important tip for any time of year, Halloween decorations and special effects can make it harder to spot a fire.

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, like 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 Safety

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. Many treats can be toxic for animals.
• If you’re considering a costume for your pet, make sure the animal is comfortable with it 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.

Safety At Your Fingertips

Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert advice in case your ghost, goblin or superhero has a mishap. Use the Red Cross Emergency App for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in your favorite app store by searching for the American Red Cross or visit redcross.org/apps.