Halloween Safety Tips from Our OSHA Expert

Help Make This Halloween Safe and Fun!

Halloween is a time of fun, imagination, and sweet treats—but it also comes with a few extra safety concerns. Whether you’re trick-or-treating with little ones, prepping your home for visitors, or behind the wheel, these tips will help everyone stay safe and happy.

Costume Safety

• Choose flame-resistant costumes, wigs, and accessories.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and treat bags for visibility after dark.
• Use non-toxic makeup instead of masks that can block vision.
• Make sure costumes fit well to avoid tripping. Shoes should be comfortable and secure.
• Avoid sharp or long costume props (like swords) that could cause injury.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

• A trusted adult should always accompany young children.
• Plan a safe route for older children going out alone and agree on a return time.
• Stay in well-lit, familiar areas, and travel in groups.
• Cross streets at designated crosswalks—never between parked cars or from driveways.
• Teach kids not to enter homes or cars and to carry a flashlight if it’s dark.
• Wait until returning home to eat any candy, and check treats first, especially for kids with food allergies.

Safety for Drivers

• Drive slowly in residential areas— when trick-or-treaters are out.
• Watch for children walking along streets, medians, or crossing mid-block.
• Use caution when entering or exiting driveways and alleys.

Prep Your Home for Visitors

• Clear walkways of toys, wet leaves and any additional tripping hazards.
• Turn on porch lights to welcome trick-or-treaters.
• Secure pets indoors to avoid accidents or scares.

Pumpkin & Decorating Safety

• Let children draw faces on pumpkins; adults can handle the carving.
• Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns instead of real flames.
• Keep carved pumpkins away from foot traffic and never leave them unattended when lit.

Candy & Allergy Awareness

• Offer non-food treats like stickers, glow sticks, or small toys for children with allergies.
• Examine all treats before kids eat them. Throw away any unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Avoid choking hazards for toddlers (no gum, popcorn, or small candies).

Healthy Halloween Habits

• Serve a nutritious meal before trick-or-treating to curb candy cravings.
• Ration candy over the following days or weeks, keeping the experience fun but reasonable.

A little preparation goes a long way in making sure this holiday is full of treats—not tricks!

Have a fun and safe Halloween!