Red Cross Halloween Safety Tips for Children & Adults

Safety Tips from the Red Cross

With witches, goblins, and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods across America, the American Red Cross offers parents some safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday. Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and more fun.

• Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.


• Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.


• Cross the street only at corners.


• Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars.


• Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!)


• Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.


• Carry a flashlight to light your way.
  
• Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flamable.)


• Visit homes that have the porch light on.


• Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.


• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. [Or make sure that your mask eye holes are wide enough for visibility.]


• Be cautious of animals and strangers.


• Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don't eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.