Halloween is such a fun time – pumpkin carving, costumes, and candy!

However, this time of the year also tends to result in accidents and injuries! About 60% of all Halloween related accidents occur from 5pm – 9pm with 23% of accidents occurring during 6pm – 7pm (via State Farm). Halloween is the most dangerous day for child pedestrians (children 18 and under) resulting in over 2 times as many deaths compared to other days (via Children’s Safety Network).

Keep these tips in mind when getting ready for Halloween:

Costumes

• Add reflective tape to your children’s costumes and bags to ensure they can be seen
• Double check that wigs and accessories are fire-resistant
• If using decorative Halloween makeup, test the makeup on a small area of the skin first to check for an allergic reaction
• Use nontoxic Halloween makeup
• Remove all makeup before going to bed to prevent any type of irritation
• If using props, ensure they are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury

Trick-or-Treating

• Parents should accompany children 12 and under while trick-or-treating
• Stay with your trick-or-treating group
• Stick to familiar, well-lit areas
• Do not eat any treats until you get home and can inspect the candy
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car
• Only approach homes that have their porch light on
• Use flashlights to help you see where you are walking
• Cross the street at a cross walk or corner
• Look and listen both ways before crossing the street
• If possible, stay on sidewalks
• If your children are mature enough to go alone, plan and review a trick-or-treating route and time to return home

Motorists

• Be extremely cautious and aware of your surroundings
• Enter and exit your driveway and subdivision carefully
• Proceed at slower speeds than normal to allow time to react to children running into the street
• Ensure your headlights are on, even during the day, to make you more visible
• While driving, scan yards and porches to help anticipate children running toward the street