Eight Tips for Halloween Safety

Halloween can be fun; but regardless of your age, it’s important to be aware of safety issues. For helpful make-up and costume safety tips click here.

For General Safety:

1. Treats: Don’t consume anything that is unwrapped (including fresh fruits) or anything home made from any strangers. These items can be easily altered, sabotaged and rendered extremely dangerous for consumption.
2. Only trick or treat in known neighborhoods that are familiar and safe.
3. Trick or treat in groups. All children should have a responsible adult such as a parent accompanying them.
4. Stay on well lit streets with sidewalks; avoid walking in alleys, dark streets or streets without sidewalks.
5. Bring an operational and higher powered flashlight for use as needed to light up any darkened sidewalks or areas.
6. Take advantage of city sponsored Halloween events for a safe alternative venue for children to celebrate in.
7. Licensed Drivers: Don’t drive while under the influence of any mind altering substance (alcohol or drugs); better yet, don’t ingest any mind altering illicit substances at anytime.
8. Don’t open the door to your home if you are concerned about your safety and who's on the other side. *Call 911 to summon police or fire department personnel for any urgent concerns regarding health and safety.

Halloween Safety Tips For Any Age - (Part 1 of 2)

Whether you’re teen, a parent accompanying a child trick or treating, or, a college student or adult attending a costume party; here are some helpful tips to stay safe and still have fun on Halloween, regardless of your age:

1.       Costumes

A.      Masks: Don’t wear a mask as it can drastically reduce your field of vision which can heighten the risk of falls. Whatever your age, if you have to wear a mask, only wear one that does not obstruct your vision/eyesight and only for a brief time; don’t wear a mask while driving, walking in the dark or going up and down steps.

B.      Length: Make sure costumes are the appropriate length for the person’s height. Too much length on pant legs, dresses or cloaks are easy to trip on for any age and gender.

C.      Flammability: Some costumes can be highly flammable so stay away from lighted candles and flames of any sort, especially important with billowy sleeves and capes. *Try to find flame retardant costumes.

D.      Wear light colors and, or, reflectors on costumes and clothing if you plan on being outside in the dark for house to house trick or treating.

2.      Colored Contacts: Only use if prescribed by a licensed eye care professional such an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist.

3.       Make-Up: Be mindful of special Halloween make-up that is loaded with fragrances and other chemicals, which can cause irritation to sensitive skin and eyes. Look for hypo allergenic alternatives in known brands that can fit the bill by providing a similar look and lessen the chances of an allergic reaction.

4.       Treats: Don’t consume anything that is unwrapped (including fresh fruits) or home made from any strangers. These items can be easily altered, sabotaged and rendered extremely dangerous for consumption.