How to Stay Safe on Halloween: Tips (and Tricks!)
- Guido Gurrera
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31
Halloween is one of the most fun nights of the year! But it also can be risky. Here are
some safety tips to make your Halloween safe and spooky, from Gurrera Law!
Make a Plan: Trick-or-Treating Needs a Game-plan too!
Trick-or-treating should be fun, not dangerous! Here are some basics to follow to keep you and your children safe:
Make sure you know your town’s official trick or treat hours and stay within
that time frame.
Go to neighborhoods and communities that you are familiar with.
Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult. Make sure
there aren’t too many kids for one adult to supervise.
If your kids don’t have mobile phones, pick a place to meet up in case you get
separated. If you have younger kids, put your name and phone number (or an
air tag) in their bag.
See : Costumes Can be Creepy or Cute, but Not Blinding!
Make sure you or your child's costume allows for you and them to see safely.
Masks, hats, and other face coverings can obstruct vision. This could lead to a fall or an accident. Face paint may be a better option.
Take a flashlight, especially if you are out at night. This will allow you to see the sidewalk and road so you don’t trip on cracks, potholes, or other hazards.
Avoid poorly lit areas and houses.
Be Seen : Drivers Can't See Well in the Dark, so Be Visible!
Don’t assume that all cars are be able to see you and your children. Make sure you are walking on sidewalks, stopping to look both ways before crossing the street, and using crosswalks.
If you are trick or treating in the dark, wear something brightly colored, reflective, or flashing. This will make you more visible.
If you’re driving, go slowly, even if you don’t see anyone around. Be aware that a trick or treater could dart out into the road. Yield to any pedestrian trying to cross the street.
Never drink and drive and put the phone down while behind the wheel!
Costume Safety: Look the Part, but Be Comfortable!
Try on your costume in advance. Make sure it is comfortable and allows you to move safely.
Avoid high heeled shoes and clunky footwear. Cut or trim fabrics or parts of your costume that could drag on the ground. These could make you trip or fall.
Drawstrings, cords, and necklaces can entrap children and cause strangulation.
Keep away from fires and candles! Some costumes could be made of more flammable material than regular clothing.
Test any makeup or face paint on a small part of your skin before applying. That way, you might avoid a bad reaction all over.
Avoid sharp and pointy costume accessories like swords, canes, wands, or sticks. Kids can be accidentally poked if they stumble or trip.
Tips for Homeowners: Protect Your Neighbors and Yourself
Homeowners have a general duty to warn people coming onto their property of any known dangerous conditions. So put out cones, ropes, signs, or verbally warn trick or treaters of anything dangerous they may encounter on your property, like broken steps, missing railing, cracked sidewalk, etc.
Make sure your home is well lit. This will help the trick or treaters see any
potential hazards and traverse stairs safely.
Keep your pets inside. Animals can become aggressive and bite, charge, or
knock over trick or treaters.
Clear your sidewalk and walkway from anything slippery like wet leaves, snow, or ice.
Candy Safety: Give me Something Good to Eat!
Inspect your kids’ candy. Throw out any treats that are not sealed, appear tampered with, or have potential allergens.
Avoid home-baked goods unless you know the person making them.
Know the ingredients in what you are giving out. Ask trick or treaters if they have any allergies.
Want to learn more advice on staying safe and keeping yourself protected under the law?
Contact Guido at Gurrera Law Today
Attorney Guido Gurrera is a personal injury attorney with over a decade of experience.
Contact him today for a free case evaluation, and to get a fair and resourceful valuation on your case.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only and should not
be relied on for legal advice. The information relayed on this page does not create
an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with an attorney about your
individual case for legal advice.
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