Halloween Safety Tips for Costumes and Trick-or-Treating

Opt for a light-colored costume that's visible in the dark, and attach reflective or glow-in-the-dark tape to both the costume and the trick-or-treat bag. Look for costumes labeled flame-retardant, or use flame-retardant materials like nylon or polyester if making one. Make sure wigs and beards don't block vision, breathing, or the mouth, and consider non-toxic face paint instead of a mask for better visibility and comfort. Skip decorative contact lenses unless prescribed by a licensed eye doctor, attach a name tag with a phone number to a young child's costume, and avoid oversized or high-heeled shoes that could cause a fall. Any props like wands or swords should be short and flexible.

For kids under 12, always accompany them, make sure they know how to dial 911 if they get separated, and have them memorize a home or cell phone number. For older kids heading out on their own, confirm their planned route and return time, give them a cellphone, encourage them to stay in a group, visit only houses with porch lights on, avoid candles and open flames, and never enter a stranger's home or car.

Halloween carries a higher risk of children being struck by cars than any other day, so stick to sidewalks on well-lit streets, walk rather than run, always face oncoming traffic, and cross only at designated crosswalks without assuming a car will stop. Fresh-battery flashlights or glow sticks help with visibility, and it's worth limiting trick-or-treating to a familiar neighborhood.

Inspect all treats to make sure packaging is sealed, and discard anything with torn or open wrapping, spoiled items, or homemade treats from an unknown source. Avoid giving young children hard candy or gum, which can be a choking hazard, and have kids wash their hands and brush their teeth before bed.