10 Halloween Safety Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday

Halloween is a magical time for kids (and adults). It’s a chance to put on a costume, collect candy, and spend time celebrating a fun holiday.

However, it doesn’t come without risk. According to experts, children ages 4 to 8 are 10 times more likely to be fatally injured on Halloween than any other day of the year.

Older children are three times as likely to be fatally injured on October 31st. Pedestrian vehicle accidents are the leading cause, but there are other safety risks to be aware of on Halloween as well.

With that in mind, these Halloween safety tips will keep everyone safe and healthy. And you’ll all get to have the fun you’re expecting this year.

What are the Safety Risks?

To truly understand what safety tips are necessary on Halloween, you need to know what the potential risks are. That way you can make your plan for keeping everyone safe on the big night.

As mentioned above, being hit by a car is the number one cause of injury on Halloween night. That’s because it’s dark and kids aren’t always easy to see when they’re wearing a costume.

When there are jack-o-lanterns with flames inside, there’s the risk of a costume catching fire. Carving jack-o-lanterns also poses the chance of cuts and the need for stitches.

Candy contamination was something that many parents worried about in earlier generations. The risk is actually quite small, but it’s still a possibility to keep in mind.

Being in a costume can mess up a child’s equilibrium, which increases the chance of falling down and being hurt. Because it’s dark, there’s also the risk of running into or tripping over items.

Finally, be aware of stranger danger. While the risk is small, it pays to be aware of the potential for unsavory characters being out and about on Halloween.

Keep reading for Halloween safety tips for the entire family.

Supervise Your Kids

One of the best ways to prevent an accident is to keep an eye on your kids during the holiday.

If you’re carving pumpkins, stay in the room and make sure your child knows how to hold the knife or other tool. Younger children can scoop the inside of the pumpkin, but shouldn’t be allowed to use sharp instruments.

If you’re having a party, make sure hazards are put away in areas where children will be. Consider LED candles instead of the real thing to reduce the risk of fire and burns.

If you’re serving alcohol at your party or the snacks are choking hazards, be sure they are out of reach of small hands.

Some parents hire a teenager to babysit their kids during the festivities so they can enjoy the holiday, while also being sure their kids are safe.

Consider Costumes Carefully

Costumes are a large part of the fun on Halloween night. But paying close attention to their components is a vital aspect of a safe Halloween.

When you choose a costume, be sure it’s fire retardant. That includes all the pieces and accessories.

Since you’ll likely be out after dark for trick or treating, apply reflective tape to the costume so your child is visible to vehicles in the area. You can also have them carry glow sticks so they can be seen in the dark.

If a costume is too long, hem it up so your child doesn’t trip and fall. A flashlight can help illuminate potential tripping hazards after dark.

Some experts suggest avoiding masks. That’s because they can hinder a child’s vision, increasing the risk of injury. Instead, use face paint to create the look your child wants.

Just remember to wash it off at the end of the night to prevent irritation and staining on the skin. You might also want to test it out before Halloween to be sure it doesn’t cause a reaction on your child’s skin.

Trick or Treating Safety

Whether your kids are old enough to trick or treat on their own or you’ll be accompanying them, a safer Halloween means preparing them before you leave the house.

For older kids, choose a route that they will follow so you know where to find them if necessary. Be sure they carry their cell phones so you can contact your child if you need to.

Agree on a time when your child should be home and be sure that the older kids stay together. Review what to do if they are approached by a stranger or get lost.

For younger kids, agree on a plan if you get separated. Stick close to home so that your child is familiar with the surroundings in case he or she does get lost. Review stranger danger in this case as well.

Of course, no matter your child’s age, emphasize the importance of watching for cars when crossing the street. Children with cell phones should avoid looking at them while walking so they can be aware of vehicle traffic.

Candy Safety

The fear of candy laced with drugs or razor blades is one that many parents have. While the risk of this happening is very small, it pays to give your kids’ candy haul a once over before letting them eat any of it.

Look for candy that is unwrapped and dispose of it right away. Chances are it was jostled and the wrapper came loose, but it’s better safe than sorry. Likewise, get rid of any candy that looks as if it’s been tampered with.

Younger kids shouldn’t eat small pieces of candy or hard candies because they are a choking hazard. Separate them and store them out of reach.

If your child has allergies, be sure you weed out any candy that could cause a reaction and dispose of it properly. When it comes to Halloween tips, this one can save a life.

Using Halloween Safety Tips to Your Advantage

Now that you’re equipped with Halloween safety tips, you can make a plan with your children regarding each person’s role and responsibilities for staying safe.

From costumes to candy to carving pumpkins, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy all of the festivities without anyone being hurt.

Before you go, check out how our personal insurance options can keep your entire family covered, just in case something happens.