Whether you are young or just young-at-heart, everyone can have fun on Halloween. Pretending to be someone or something else, getting lots of candy and celebrating with friends—what’s not to like? But beware: the recipe for Halloween fun can turn into a potentially dangerous situation if you aren’t careful.

By taking some precautions, you can keep Halloween safe for everyone. Whether you are a parent of trick or treaters, a homeowner passing out candy, or driving on Halloween night, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Let’s keep Halloween safe & happy for everyone!

• Costume Tips
• Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips
• Driving Tips
• Homeowner Tips
• Candy Inspection Tips

Costume Tips:

• When choosing or making a costume, pick a fire-resistant material and bright colors.
• Put emergency identification on costumes or around your child’s wrist. Include their name, phone number, and address in case they get separated from you.
• Always add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags, especially if the costume is dark, so the trick-or-treater can be seen by drivers.
• Make sure costumes are not tripping hazards.
• Avoid sharp objects as accessories.
• If the temperature will be chilly, allow enough room for warm clothes under costumes.
• Check the ingredient labels of all face paint or make-up confirming it is "made with U.S. approved colored additives," "laboratory tested," "non-toxic," or "meets federal standards for cosmetics."
• Younger children are safer if they don’t wear masks. If your child wears one, make sure it does not obstruct vision or breathing.
• Take off masks when walking between houses.
• Make sure your child is wearing sturdy shoes.

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips:

• Make sure all children are supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating.
• No one, no matter how old, should trick-or-treat alone.
• Never go inside a stranger’s home.
• Only visit houses where lights are on.
• Watch out for animals. Even the dog next door may bite because he doesn’t recognize the person disguised in a costume.
• Carry a flashlight and bring extra batteries.
• Give children brightly colored trick-or-treat bags.
• Make sure kids are cautious when crossing streets.
• Never cross between cars.
• Use sidewalks, wherever possible.
• Obey all traffic signs and regulations.
• Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods at homes of people you know.
• If you have teenagers, set a curfew and make sure they have watches.
• Give children money to call home. Make sure they know to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Driving Tips:

• Know the trick or treat times for your neighborhood.
• Avoid driving during the trick-or-treat times in your area, if possible.
• Be very alert to children crossing the street—especially in neighborhoods.
• Drive very slowly.
• Don’t be distracted: don’t use cell phones, even if you have hands-free devices, don’t change radio stations, etc.
• And especially, Don’t Drink & Drive. If you are going to a party, have a designated driver.

Homeowner Tips:

• Clear steps and lawns of any tripping hazards such as electric cords, hoses, etc.
• Keep your pet away from trick-or-treaters.
• Use proper lighting so pathways are clearly lit.
• Repair holes in sidewalks, or mark them clearly.
• To reduce a fire hazard: use flashlights instead of candles in the pumpkins near your door.
• Don’t give out homemade treats—unless you know the kids and they know it’s from you.

Candy Inspection Tips:

• Instruct children not to eat any treats until they have been inspected by an adult at home.
• Serve dinner beforehand so children aren’t tempted to eat unchecked treats.
• Throw away any candy that has loose or open wrappers.
• Wash all fruit and cut into pieces, inspecting it before serving.
• If there’s doubt, throw it out.
• If any treats have been tampered with, contact police immediately.
• Many hospitals offer free candy screenings. Check your local hospital.