7 Halloween Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore

Ghosts and ghouls and goblins… oh my!

On the spookiest night of the year, do what you can to create a time that is only scary fun — not scary because of disaster. Keep these Halloween safety tips in mind as you gear up for sugar, fun, and excitement.

Keep to the Sidewalks

Sadly, Halloween is the “deadliest day of the year for child pedestrian accidents.” Your kids know safety rules, but if ever there was a day to reinforce those concepts, Halloween is the day. Before heading out to trick or treat, tell your children to stay on the sidewalks. Tell them that they’ll see plenty of children running through the streets from house to house, but that they are not to follow that example. And if you’ll be driving somewhere, be extra careful when backing out of your driveway and when driving.

Wear Reflective Tape

It’s hard for drivers to spot pedestrians at night — even when they may be dressed up as colorful monsters or peacocks — so apply some reflective tape to yourself and to your children. Add glow necklaces and bracelets to be even more visible.

Check the Candy

Before you let your children eat their candy, make sure to remove any candies that have been opened, look tampered with, or could be a choking hazard if your child is small. If your child has food allergies, you’re well aware that you need to check ingredients in all candies. But even if you don’t deal with food allergies, you can help your neighbors by offering candy at your own house that is either nut free or small toys. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a great way to learn more about how you can contribute to a fun and inclusive night for all.

Secure Your Railings

As people head up to knock on your door, they may need to steady themselves. Make sure your railings are firm and secure so that you don’t have an accident on your property.

Clean up Your Yard

It doesn’t really matter if your leaves are raked or your grass is cut, but you should take the time to clear tripping hazards from your yard. Hose still left out from summer? Roll it up and put it away. Toys scattered in the driveway? Bring them in. Moss on your steps? Wash it away well before the trick-or-treaters start showing up at your door.

Skip the Candles

Nothing says Halloween more than a spooky jack-o’-lantern at night, lit up for all to see its glowing face. But candles are a fire hazard. A child could easily meet dangerous disaster as their Halloween costume comes in contact with a lit candle. A horde of trick-or-treaters could easily knock your pumpkin over. Instead of real fire, use battery-powered candles. They create the same spooky effect, but they leave the worry in the dust.

Light Your Walkway

If you’re handing out treats on Halloween night, make sure children and parents can easily navigate your walkway. Take the time now to replace any burned out bulbs, and consider adding solar lights to your walkway to ensure all can see what’s ahead of them.

Have a safe and happy night, from New Life Restoration!