“Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year!

Halloween is not just for kids anymore. The holiday has become one of the most popular in the U.S. with people of all ages taking part in things like trick-or-treating, decorating homes and attending parties.

The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy the festivities safely, so we offer tips for all ages on how to have a great Halloween and stay safe while doing so.

COSTUME SAFETY Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.

• Use face makeup instead of masks.
• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags. If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
• Use flame-resistant costumes and wigs.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric so no one trips and falls.
• Avoid using decorative contact lenses to avoid problems with your eyes.
• If carving pumpkins, don’t use candles to light them. Instead, try battery-operated lights or glow sticks.

TRICK OR TREAT SAFETY A sad statistic – children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year

• Have your trick or treaters walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
• Drivers — use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing. As the sun goes down, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
• A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
• If older children are going alone, plan their route. Set a specific time they should return home. Teach them to only visit homes that have a porch light on, to accept treats at the door and never go inside.
• Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Check all goodies before the kids dig in. Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and remove any choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.”

American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2025/halloween-safety-tips-for-trick-or-treaters-)

“Some safety tips when celebrating Halloween:

• If you decide to go trick-or-treating, wear light-colored clothing that’s short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front, and back of your costume.
• Ensure children can see well while wearing their masks and securely fasten the mask so it does not fall off.
• Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight for when it gets dark. Everyone will be celebrating differently according to their comfort level, so expect some doors may not be open to trick-or-treaters.
• Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know.
• Watch for traffic.
• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
• Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it.
• Keep costumed children away from pets, as pets might not recognize the child and become frightened.
• Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber, which is soft and flexible.”

Always a Treat (Halloween Safety Tips – Always A Treat)