M0915

Halloween Safety Tips

Overall Safety Reminders

• Go only into familiar neighborhoods, and stop only at houses that are well lit.
• Carry flashlights and use reflective tape on clothing and bags.
• Walk, do not run. Use sidewalks, not streets. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Slow down when approaching driveways to avoid exiting or entering cars, and do not run out between cars.
• Discard commercially produced candy if the wrapper is loose or the seal has been broken.
• Examine the outside of fruit for any suspicious cuts or holes. Wash and slice it into small pieces, checking for inedible objects.
• If anything is suspicious about treats, report this to the police or other appropriate authorities.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

Alternatives to Candy Treats

• Baseball cards or other sports cards
• Coloring books, crayons, or
  magic markers
• Holiday pencils, pens, or erasers
• Snack coupons to a local fast food restaurant or ice cream shop
• Modeling clay
• Yo-yos
• Puzzles
• Card games
• Kites or planes

Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating

• Neighborhood party (provide games and activities, such as apple toss or movies)
• Haunted house party or parade
• Storytelling (can take place anywhere and is perfect entertainment for children and adults)
• Harvest fairs and festivals
• Hayrides

Reminders for Children’s Parties

• Choose foods that children will enjoy. Be mindful of dietary restrictions.
• Furniture, food, and decorations should be child-sized.
• Have plenty of supervision. One adult can handle about 10 children; use two adults if the children are in a setting outside the home.
• Remember that something that is scary and fun for adults might not be fun for children.

M915 (POD-03-25)

Reviewed by Sarah Moody, MBA, Publications Manager, Human Sciences, from an earlier version by Louise E. Davis, PhD, former Extension Professor, Human Sciences.