Halloween is a special time of year. The parties, costumes, and trick-or-treating present a unique moment of bonding for neighbors. Its a great time to get to know one another and keep each other safe. Here are 13 Halloween safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Going trick-or-treating?
- S: Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
- A: Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
- F: Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- E: Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
- H: Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. WALK and don’t run from house to house.
- A: Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
- L: Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.
- L: Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
- O: Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- W: Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
- E: Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
- E: Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
- N: Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
For the Home
A couple more tips for your home this Halloween:
- Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
- Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
- Confine pets. The constant excitement of young children ringing the doorbell is simply too much for many pets, and scared dogs or cats can dart out the front door.
