Halloween Safety Tips: Keep Thrills and Chills Fun and Safe

As Halloween approaches, the excitement of costumes, candy, and decorations fills the air. To ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind.
Choose costumes made from flame-retardant materials to reduce fire risks. Pick lighter colors, or since many costumes have darker colors, add reflective tape to costumes to enhance visibility at night. Make sure masks fit properly and allow for clear vision. A safer alternative may be to use face paint for better visibility.

While navigating the roadways while either Trick-or-Treating or if you are simply trying to get home from work, use extra caution and take your time. Make sure you have your headlights on as Trick-or-Treaters will be out during the time where your automatic headlights may not turn on.
When heading out to Trick-or-Treat make sure children are accompanied by an adult or an older sibling. Establish a designated route to ensure accountability. Remind kids to stay on sidewalks and cross the street at corners while looking both ways. It’s best to avoid walking through alleys or dimly lit areas. Be aware of your local town or village curfews for Trick-or-Treating.
After returning home, inspect all treats before eating. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking treats. Sometimes treats are mispackaged or open from the factory, discard these treats as well. Encourage children to only accept treats from trusted neighbors and to avoid food items that seem homemade if they’re not from known friends or family.
When decorating your home, use battery-operated candles instead of real flames to minimize fire hazards. Keep decorations away from walkways to prevent tripping and ensure clear paths for trick-or-treaters. If you’re using lights, check for frayed wires and ensure they are suitable for outdoor use.
Keep pets indoors during Halloween festivities, as the noise and costumed strangers can cause anxiety. Make sure your pets have a safe space away from the door to prevent them from escaping. It’s not recommended to take pets Trick-or-Treating as they may not respond well to the costumes and increased foot traffic.

By following these simple Halloween safety tips, you can ensure that this spooky season remains a time for fun without unnecessary risks. Please enjoy a Happy Halloween!