On Halloween night, tiny ghosts and goblins will fill the streets and excitement will be shared by kids and adults alike. At the American Red Cross, we want to make sure that everyone enjoys the fun-filled festivities safely. To that end, we bring you our top ten trick-or-treat safety tips!
- Plan your route in advance. Make sure a parent or responsible adult accompanies young children through the neighborhood, and older children let adults know where they are going.
- See and be seen. Use a flashlight to light the way, add reflective tape to costumes, and consider using face paint instead of masks that cover the eyes.
- Look for lights. Only visit homes that have their porch light on, and accept treats at the door – never go inside.
- Watch where you walk. Stay on sidewalks and out of the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the road, facing traffic.
- Cross streets safely. Look both ways, and only cross at corners. Don’t cut across yards, use alleys or cross between parked cars.
- Keep an eye out for animals. If you are trick-or-treating, be cautious around animals – especially dogs. If you are welcoming trick-or-treaters at home, restrain your pets before you answer the door.
- Make sure treats are safe to eat. Have an adult check them out and remove any loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
- Drive carefully. Watch out for trick-or-treaters in the streets on Halloween night.
- Avoid fire hazards. Wear only flame-resistant costumes, keep all decorations away from open flames, and use battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of real candles to light your jack-o-lanterns.
- Use apps to stay safe. Download the free Red Cross First Aid App to receive instant access to expert advice about everyday emergencies. And look here for even more app recommendations.
Think you’ve got all of this down? Take our Halloween Safety Quiz to be sure, and have a spook-tacular night!
Official Blog of the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region 
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