Tricks for a Halloween That’s a Real Treat

Keep your little pumpkins safe this Halloween. Children and adults can have a spooktacular night of fun with these tips.

Be spooky and safe

• Stay home if you’re sick. Skip the Halloween party and trick-or-treating if you aren’t feeling well.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Take precautions in crowded or indoor events as informed by your county’s COVID-19 Community Level, like wearing a high-quality mask (and Halloween masks don’t count). Consider making the mask part of the costume—like a doctor, nurse, ninja or cowboy.
• If you’re hosting celebrations, review options for improving ventilation in your home. This can help you reduce virus particles in your home and keep COVID-19 from spreading.
• Keep your hands clean. If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer. If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Special considerations

• People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system should take additional precautions.

Walk safely

• Children under age 12 should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Walk from house to house; do not run.
• Be alert for Halloween decorations in walking paths or on steps.
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible.
• If there’s no sidewalk, walk against the traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Use crosswalks when available.
• Cross at street corners, not in the middle of the street.
• Put away cell phones and remove earbuds while walking.
• Teach children not to dart out between parked cars.
• Be especially alert at driveways when cars may be pulling out.

Be seen

• Wear light-colored clothing and costumes.
• Add reflective tape to your children’s costumes and bags — and add some to your own outfit.
• Walk in well-lit areas.
• Take a flashlight or glow stick.

Wear safe costumes

• Masks may obstruct a child’s vision. Instead, try non-toxic face paint and makeup. Try the make-up in a small area of skin to check for sensitivity before applying to the entire face.
• Be sure costumes are flame-resistant and fit properly to avoid tripping hazards.
• Have children wear well-fitted, sturdy shoes. High heels are not a safe choice for a Halloween costume.
• Tie hats and scarfs securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes.
• Avoid walking near lit candles or luminaries.
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be soft and made of flexible material.

Remind older children

• Walk with a buddy or group.
• Use a familiar, well-lit route.
• Go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on.
• Do not enter any homes while trick-or-treating.
• Put away electronic devices away to avoid distractions.

Drive cautiously

It’s a sad fact but children are twice as likely to be hit and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Keep these safe driving tips in mind:

• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Remember that using a Bluetooth or other hands-free device is also distracted driving.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Check your treats

• Remind children to wait until their treats are checked before eating them.
• Inspect the candy and throw away any candy that is not in an original wrapper.
• Candy should be discarded if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped.

Have a spooktacular and safe Halloween!