Halloween Safety: How to Keep Your Kids Safe While Trick-or-Treating

Halloween is all about fun costumes, yummy treats, and festive excitement. However, it’s also a night that potentially comes with hidden dangers like traffic accidents, costume hazards, and unexpected injuries. Halloween safety should be a key part of planning for this holiday evening. Keep your Halloween nights fun, memorable, and safe for everyone by taking extra precautions.

Halloween Statistics

Halloween brings a sharp rise in child injuries. According to Rosenbaum Injury Law Firm, 2.6 child pedestrian deaths occur each day. During Halloween, this number rises to  5.5 deaths. Kids aged 12 to 15, who make up 32% of all total pedestrian deaths, are at a higher risk. Meanwhile, another 23% of these cases happen to kids aged 5 to 8. Notably, most accidents happen between 6 and 7 p.m.

Additionally, around 3,200 people visit the ER for Halloween-related injuries every year. Among the reasons for injury, pumpkin carving leads the pack at 55%. Next, falls account for another 25% while cuts or allergic reactions comprise 20%. Nearly half of these injuries involve kids under 18.  Furthermore, 23% of pedestrian deaths on Halloween are due to drunk driving.

Halloween Safety Checklist: Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

Halloween is all about fun, but safety comes first! This checklist will give you everything you need to keep your kids safe while enjoying the night. Here are some safety tips:

1. Choose Safe Costumes

• Wear costumes that fit well and aren’t too long to prevent accidents like tripping. Avoid long capes or any lengthy props that can be caught in doors or fans. 
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to your costume to help drivers see you in the dark. When along along dimly-lit streets, carrying a flashlight can help you see better where you’re going.
• If you’re wearing flowing fabric, avoid standing near open flames. If possible, use flame-resistant costumes, especially when you know you’ll be around jack-o'-lanterns or candles.
• To prevent allergic reactions, always test makeup on a small patch of skin before applying it fully.

2. Trick-or-Treat in Groups

• Always trick-or-treat with a buddy or a group to prevent getting lost or separated.
• Stick to well-lit neighborhoods where lots of people are celebrating Halloween. This makes trick-or-treating safer and more enjoyable.
• Set a curfew for kids trick-or-treating without a grownup companion and make them commit to returning home on time.
• Make sure everyone in the group carries a working cell phone in case of emergencies. Have your kids promise to answer calls or text messages but not while walking or crossing the street. 

3. Inspect Candy

• Inspect all candies before eating. Discard anything that looks tampered with, such as opened wrappers. Similarly, check expiration dates if possible to weed out treats that are already unfit for consumption. 
• Skip homemade snacks from strangers and stick to sealed, pre-packaged treats.
• If your child has food allergies, check candy labels for allergens to ensure the treats are safe to consume.

4. Stay Visible While Walking

• Cross the street at crosswalks and look both ways before stepping off the curb.
• Keep your phone away while walking to stay alert. This helps you avoid dangerous obstacles like oncoming cars or uneven sidewalks.
• Wear brightly colored costumes or accessories to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. Don’t assume drivers can see you, especially if you wear a dark costume.
• Avoid walking in dark alleys or roads as it makes it harder for drivers to see you.

5. Keep Pets Indoors

• Halloween can be stressful for pets due to the constant noise and strange costumes. Keep them in a quiet, safe space.
• Keep candy and chocolate away from pets, as these are toxic to them.
• Ensure your pets have proper identification in case they get out due to fear or excitement.

6. Drive Safely

• Avoid driving in neighborhoods during trick-or-treating peak hours, typically between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM. During this time, children may suddenly run into the street so be extra cautious.
• Stay alert for kids running between parked cars, as they often don’t look before crossing.
• Turn on your headlights early to boost visibility as it gets darker.
• Avoid distractions like using your phone especially when driving in crowded areas.

7. Prepare Your Home

• Clear walkways of hazards like hoses, wet leaves, or decorations to prevent trick-or-treaters from tripping and falling. 
• Keep your porch well-lit to guide visitors and create a welcoming, festive vibe.
• Secure all decorations to prevent them from blowing away or causing accidents.
• Consider offering non-food treats for children with allergies, like small toys or glow sticks.

Celebrate Halloween Safely

Halloween should be a night of joy, laughter, and lasting memories. With a little caution, you can ensure the festivities remain fun and exciting without any unexpected mishaps. Plan safe routes, set ground rules for your kids, and make sure everyone knows what to do during an emergency. When Halloween safety is part of the plan, you’ll create moments everyone can cherish without worries!

Ready for a safe and spooky Halloween? Click here for more Halloween safety tips that will give you peace of mind while your family enjoys the fun!