With Halloween quickly approaching, it’s important to keep safety top-of-mind. Check out these 13 safety tips as a refresher to ensure your family and community stay safe while having fun.

Protecting your trick-or-treaters

For those of you who have trick-or-treaters going out on Halloween, remember to prioritize safety with these essential precautions.

Keep children under supervision while trick-or-treating.

‍For the little ones, stick by their side to keep them safe. If you've got older kids, help them plan a safe route and encourage them to use the buddy system.

Carry glow sticks or flashlights to ensure your family is easily spotted.

Not only will this help drivers see you and your loved ones, but it also allows you to keep a watchful eye on your kids and lets them spot you as you navigate from house to house. According to the National Safety Council, "children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year." Stick to well-lit streets as you follow your Halloween route for an extra layer of safety and be vigilant of approaching motorists.

Stick to the sidewalks where available and make sure kids understand the importance of crossing the street at designated corners or crosswalks.

‍This advice is crucial not only for general neighborhood strolls but even more so when the evening sets in, visibility is reduced, and the neighborhood is bustling with activity.

Emphasize to kids that they should never, under any circumstances, enter a home or vehicle to collect their treats.

It's vital to instill the importance of avoiding this risky temptation during their Halloween adventures.

Protecting your visitors

Even if you're not planning to join the trick-or-treating fun, there are easy ways you can play a part in ensuring your community's safety as Halloween draws near.

Clear the path to your door of any potential trip hazards.

‍Watch out for leaves, cords, or packages to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all those eager trick-or-treaters.

Ensure your pets are secure during trick-or-treating hours.

‍Although pets might be curious about the Halloween buzz, it's crucial to remember that not all trick-or-treaters and pets are familiar with each other. The sight of Halloween costumes can easily startle our furry friends, so it's a good idea to keep them in a safe, comfortable spot until the trick-or-treating festivities have come to a close.

Always keep an eye on your candle lit jack-o'-lanterns and avoid leaving them unattended.

For a safer yet equally festive alternative, opt for battery-powered candles to eliminate any fire hazards while still enjoying all the Halloween fun.

Stay vigilant for trick-or-treaters when you're behind the wheel.

If you find yourself driving around in the evening, exercise extra caution, as little goblins and ghosts might suddenly appear on the streets, catching you by surprise. Your attention can help keep Halloween both fun and safe for everyone.

Beware of food allergies.

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reports an 85% increase in peanut-related anaphylaxis during Halloween. With more than 6 million Americans estimated to have peanut allergies, it's a good one to steer clear of when filling your candy bucket this season. An additional option is participating in the The Teal Pumpkin Project which is, "a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies... by placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets and treats that are safe for all trick or treaters."

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Protecting your community

While many folks will only have good old fashioned fun in mind for Halloween, others may have nefarious intentions. Here are a few tips to keep your neighborhood safe during this spooky season. 

Discuss your plans with your neighbors.

If you plan to be out of your house for the entire evening, be sure to talk to your neighbors beforehand. This will help them keep an eye on your property for any uninvited visitors. 

Invest in layered security.

‍Whether it’s a doorbell camera, motion sensor lights or an automated barking dog – consider what security mechanisms are best for your home and neighborhood to act as a useful deterrent to criminals seeking crimes of opportunity. For a deeper dive on this topic, check out “How to Implement a 3-Step Approach to Safer Neighborhoods.”

Consider hiring security for Halloween.

If your neighborhood is a magnet for carloads full of trick-or-treaters, consider hiring a security guard or off-duty police officer for the evening. Their added presence will be a great deterrent to anyone looking to blend into the crowd to commit a crime. 

When in doubt, consider alternatives.

If you're unsure about trick-or-treating in a particular area for safety concerns, consider alternative options. Many communities offer trunk-or-treat events in the safety of a parking lot or other protected area. This allows kids to more freely gather goodies in a safer environment.

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