10 Halloween Safety Tips for Your Goblins & Ghouls
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids—with the mix of costumes, candy, and spooky fun. But, whether your child is trick-or-treating, attending a party, or haunting the neighborhood, make sure they are safe. Use these safety tips to help keep the night safe and memorable for everyone!
Costume Safety: Dress to Impress—Safely
- Choose flame-resistant materials.When purchasing costumes, make sure it is labeled flame retardant. In fact, the federal Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA) requires costumes sold at retail to be flame-resistant. However, if you’re making the costume, opt for nylon or polyester; these are safer choices. Wigs should also be fire-resistant.
- Mask safety matters. Make sure that the eyeholes are large enough for your child to see and that it is properly ventilated so he or she can easily breathe.
- Be seen in the dark. Use reflective tape on costumes and treat bags and equip kids with flashlights or glow sticks so your child can easily be seen by drivers and others.
- Keep props soft and short. Swords, wands, and other accessories should be flexible and easy to carry—no sharp edges or tripping hazards.
- Avoid open flames. Never walk near lit candles, luminaries, or jack-o-lanterns with candles in them, especially when wearing a costume with long trailing fabric.
- Step safely. Wear comfortable shoes for walking that are clear of tripping hazards such as strings, bells, and dangling decorations that could cause a fall.
Trick-or-Treating Tips: Street Smarts for Spooky Nights
- Know your teen’s plan. Older kids enjoy Halloween just as much as the younger ones but you want to make sure you know who your teen will be with and where they will be going. Confirm their route, set a curfew, and ensure their phone is fully charged.
- No phones while driving. If your teen is driving, remind them to fuel up —and keep their phone out of reach while driving. Too many auto accidents happen when a driver is distracted by texting, emailing or talking on the phone. Distractions are dangerous!
- Stick to well-lit paths. Encourage kids to stay on sidewalks and familiar routes. It can be dangerous to cut through back alleys or take short cuts. Potholes, trash, and other obstacles can cause slips, trips and falls that could mean a trip to the emergency room.
- Walk smart. Tell your child to walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or, if there is no sidewalk, on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- Watch for cars. Teach your child to watch for cars — on the roadway and in driveways — and never to cross between parked cars.
- Only visit homes with porch lights on. Only approach homes that have a porch light on and never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle for any treats.
Candy Safety: Sweet Treats Without the Scares
Inspect before indulging. Check all candy for signs of tampering, making sure that wrappers have not been tampered with. Toss anything with torn wrappers or unfamiliar packaging.- Mind the little ones. For kids under 4, avoid round, hard, or sticky candies that pose choking risks—like gum, caramels, and small sweets.
- Watch for allergens. Check to see if your child is allergic to any of the candy in their bag and take it out (nuts, red dye 40, etc.)
- Stay alert for dangerous lookalikes. Be aware of dangerous drugs that can be seen as candy, such as fentanyl. Talk to your kids about the risks and keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
Keep the fright festive—not risky. With a little planning and a lot of awareness, your Halloween can be safe, sweet, and spooktacular!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published October 12, 2015. It was reviewed updated on October 25, 2022. Last editing/re-publishing: October 20, 2025.
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