Halloween Safety Tips for a Fun, Safe Night

Halloween brings the excitement of pumpkin carving, costumes, and endless candy! But it’s also a time when accidents tend to increase, especially for young trick-or-treaters. In fact, 60% of all Halloween-related accidents happen between 5 and 9 PM, with a peak between 6 and 7 PM (State Farm). Halloween is also the most dangerous day of the year for child pedestrians, with children 18 and under facing over twice as many pedestrian accidents compared to other days (Children’s Safety Network).

Stay safe this Halloween by following these Halloween safety tips for costumes, trick-or-treating, and driving.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

• Add Reflective Elements: Attach reflective tape to costumes and treat bags so children are easily seen at night.
• Choose Fire-Resistant Materials: Double-check that wigs and costume accessories are labeled fire-resistant.
• Opt for Nontoxic Makeup: Test any decorative Halloween makeup on a small area of skin first, and always use nontoxic products.
• Remove Makeup Before Bed: To avoid irritation, make sure kids wash off all makeup before sleeping.
• Use Safe Props: If costumes include props like swords or sticks, make sure they’re flexible and have blunt tips to prevent injuries.

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

• Supervise Young Children: Parents should accompany kids 12 and under while trick-or-treating.
• Stay in Groups: Always trick-or-treat in a group, sticking to familiar, well-lit areas.
• Inspect Treats Before Eating: Wait until you’re home to check all treats for tampering.
• Avoid Strangers’ Homes and Cars: Never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle, and only approach homes with porch lights on.
• Use Flashlights: Carry flashlights to improve visibility and help avoid tripping hazards.
• Practice Street Safety: Cross at corners or crosswalks, look both ways, and, whenever possible, stay on sidewalks.
• Plan Ahead for Older Kids: If children are old enough to go alone, plan a trick-or-treat route and set a return time.

Halloween Driving Safety Tips for Motorists

• Stay Extra Alert: Be highly cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in neighborhoods.
• Slow Down: Drive slower than usual to allow time to react to children running near the street.
• Use Headlights Early: Keep headlights on, even during the day, to increase visibility.
• Scan for Kids: While driving, watch yards and porches for children who may run toward the road.

Make this Halloween memorable for all the right reasons by following these essential Halloween safety tips. Here’s to a safe and spook-tacular night!

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, the company is run by 3rd generation, Justin Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For more information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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Updated 10/30/2024