Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Street Smarts

Halloween can be a lot of fun for parents and kids alike - if everybody remembers the tricks and treats of playing it safe.

5 Street Smarts Tips for Trick or Treating

  • When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers, and if possible, choose light colors.
  • Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  • Try non-toxic face paint and make-up instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and, more importantly, they can obstruct a child's vision - a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down streets.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

5 Street Smarts Tips for Walking Safely on Halloween

  • Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run across the street.
  • Watch for cars that are turning or backing-up. Avoid darting out into the street or cross between parked cars.
  • Remind your child of everyday safety tips like looking left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

Drive with Street Smarts on Halloween

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Get rid of distractions such as electronic devices. Concentrate your attention on the road.
  • Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.