Halloween photo #3

Lots of little ghosts and ghouls,
Witches, and pirates and superheroes, too!
Tonight, costumed kids will be all around…
Follow these tips to keep them safe and sound.

  1. Make sure your trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.
    • Use face makeup instead of masks. Masks can make it hard to see.
    • Give kids a flashlight to light their way.
    • Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
    • Have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
  2. Use flame-resistant costumes.
  3. Plan your trick-or-treat route in advance – make sure adults know where their children are going.
    • A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
    • If kids are mature enough to be out without adult supervision, they should stick to familiar neighborhoods that are well-lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
  4. Only visit homes that have a porch light on.
  5. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.
  6. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
  7. Walk, don’t run, and stay on the sidewalk, not in the street.
    • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
    • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
    • Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
    • Don’t cross between parked cars.
  8. Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating.
    • Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
    • Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

For those planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to their homes, follow these safety steps:

9. Light the area well so young visitors can see.

10. Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

A finally, a bonus tip for anyone who might be driving on Halloween night: use extra caution and look out for little ones who may be so excited about trick-or-treating that they forget to look out for you. Stay especially alert if you are on the road during popular trick-or-treating hours (approx. 5:30-9:30 pm).

Download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to expert advice in case your ghost, goblin or superhero has a Halloween mishap. Use the Emergency App for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.