Halloween Safety Tips

Motorists

The National Safety Council urges motorists to be especially alert on Halloween.

  • Watch for children darting out from between parked cars
  • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
  • At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents

Before children start out on their "trick or treat" rounds, parents should:

  • Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children.
  • Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
  • Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
  • Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
  • Establish a return time.
  • Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.
  • Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
  • Pin a slip of paper with the child's name; address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

Costume Design

  • Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
  • Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
  • Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.)
  • If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children visible.

Face Design

  • Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial make-up instead.
  • When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturer's instruction for application.
  • If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eyeholes.

Accessories

  • Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
  • Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

On The Way

Children should understand and follow these rules:

  • Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
  • Walk; do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
  • Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
  • Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.

Treats

To ensure a safe trick-or-treat outing, parents are urged to:

  • Give children an early meal before going out.
  • Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.