Smart Halloween Safety Tips

As Halloween approaches, thrills and chills creep up around every corner. Both little ones and adults delight in the excitement of dressing up and getting treats! But, while thinking about all the spooky fun you’ll have this year, make sure you’re keeping safety top of mind. Check out our Halloween tips and reminders to help keep everyone safe and sound this season.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

The costumes are the best part of Halloween. (Well, maybe the second best part after candy.) But a poorly planned costume can actually be a health or safety hazard. Here are some costume safety tips to keep in mind:

• Check costumes to ensure that they’re flame retardant and that they allow for easy movement.
• Adding reflective tape, glow sticks and flashlights to the ensemble adds multiple layers of security.
• If your child will be wearing a costume mask, make sure it doesn’t block their breathing or vision. It may also be a good idea to check and make sure they can still wear a protective face mask comfortably underneath their costume mask.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

Let’s take a look at some more helpful tips for staying healthy and safe while trick-or-treating.

• If the group is mainly little ones, then an adult should serve as chaperone.
• If the kids are old enough to go without an adult, make sure they follow a pre-planned route and stick to homes or neighborhoods you know.
• Stress the importance of crossing roads safely over and over again. Once those little goblins see treats across the street, the temptation to run is going to be huge.
• Bring hand sanitizer to use as your trick-or-treaters will be in contact with candy passed from hand to hand.
• Keep face masks on during trick-or-treating and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
• Trick-or-treating safety tips should be reviewed every year, no matter how old your ghosts and goblins are — a refresher never hurts!
• Before heading out to trick-or-treat during a pandemic, you may want to check with your local health officials for possible rules or requirements. For the safety of yourself and your community, be sure you’re following any guidelines put in place.

Tips for Handing Out Candy

If you’re in charge of doling out the goodies, you have a few responsibilities too.

• Wear gloves when passing out candy or consider using a kitchen utensil to help distribute them without hand contact.
• Create social distance markers of at least six feet apart leading up to your door.
• October is an unpredictable month when it comes to weather. No matter if it snows, freezes or if there are slippery leaves on the walkway — it’s your job to make a clear and safe path for trick-or-treaters.
• Traditionally, turning on the front light signals that you’ve got candy — so consider adding lights all the way to the door for safer passage.
• Also, be sure your family pets are safely tucked away for the evening — for their safety as well as that of your spooky guests.
• Replace all flames with electric candles for a safe, yet realistic effect.
• When it comes to treats, store bought is best.
• A teal pumpkin at your door lets others know you are handing out allergen-free treats.
• If you’re willing to try something new, go the healthy route and hand out little toys, trinkets, coloring books or crayons instead.

Halloween Travel Tips

• If you have to hit the roads on Halloween — use extra caution for everyone’s health and safety. When traveling through neighborhoods, use the utmost caution and drive slowly.
• Avoid distracted driving by putting your devices away so you’re not even tempted to glance at them.
• Since teens will likely be on the roads, reinforce good driving habits to help your teen drive better and be more alert than ever.
• If you’re wearing a costume that restricts your movement or view, take it off for the ride. This also goes for passengers who have costumes that block the driver’s view.

Common-sense health and safety protocols, along with a little extra caution, go a long way toward creating the most spook-tacular Halloween ever! Our last tip? Don’t eat all your candy at once!

Here’s one more cool trick: Did you know your homeowners or renters policy can help protect you and your things, even when you’re out and about, trick-or-treating or otherwise? Connect with your American Family Insurance agent to learn more.