9 Tips to Stay Safe This Halloween

Trick-or-treating is a Halloween tradition. There’s nothing more nostalgic than wandering from house to house alongside excited children in colorful costumes or seeing a face light up when you drop a sweet treat into a candy bag. However, walking around after dark poses a series of potential risks, from leaving your home unoccupied to wearing the proper outfit to move safely at night. Luckily, many of these perils are easy to avoid so you can enjoy a safe, fun Halloween. Here are some Halloween safety tips to try on October 31.

Don’t Trick-or-Treat Alone

Trick-or-treating as a group provides an added level of protection. People who trick-or-treat alone might be the target of pranks and ill-intentioned strangers, while those in a large group are less likely to be bothered. And, an adult should always escort groups of children.

Purchase a Doorbell Camera

Doorbell cameras provide added protection for both trick-or-treaters and homeowners. Most cameras come with an app that allows you to see the action around your home while you’re out trick-or-treating. Some cameras even allow for accessible voice communication with whoever rings the doorbell.

Keep an Eye Out For Opened Candy Wrappers

When your child brings home their loot, inspect it to ensure the candy is in sealed wrappers. If anything looks tampered with, throw it out. Additionally, be mindful of sweets made by people you do not know. The ingredients are a mystery, and you won’t know if they contain a harmful ingredient or an allergen.

Stay on Paved Roads

While cutting through someone’s yard may save time, staying on paved roads while trick-or-treating is important. If a sidewalk isn’t available, walk in the street as far left as possible. This allows you to see oncoming traffic so you can easily step to the side if a car is passing by.

Remove Your Mask Between Houses

Masks are an important part of many Halloween costumes, but they can limit your field of vision. Remove any masks while walking to your next destination. You’ll have a broader scope of vision and can more easily avoid hazards along the way.

Carry a Flashlight

Always use a flashlight while walking from house to house unless you have access to a well-lit street or sidewalk. Also, keep your porch and outdoor lights on to help keep any loiterers or pranksters visible and provide a safe environment for trick-or-treaters.

Wear a Reflective Costume

Many Halloween costumes are darker colors, making it harder for passing cars to see you at night. Affix reflective material to costumes using glue or tape to keep from blending into the night.

Plan a Route in Advance

Before heading out to trick-or-treat, it’s important to plan out a route and inform others of where you’ll be going. It's good to have someone who knows how to get to you if anything changes. 

Use Non-Toxic Face Paint

Many costumed trick-or-treaters rely on body paint. However, many face paint options are cheap and can irritate the skin. If you’re going to paint your own or someone else’s face, steer clear of low-quality products and choose face paints formulated for sensitive skin. They are just as vibrant in color without causing rashes or redness after you wash them off. 

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