Tips for a Safe Halloween

October brings great fall weather and ends with one of America's favorite holidays - Halloween.

It's a night of fun for kids (and adults too) who have a chance to enter the land of make believe by transforming into a scary creature or becoming a superhero or princess for one night - but it's also a night to remember to take a few precautions before heading out for a night of trick-or-treating.

The Centers for Disease Control has some helpful tips for everyone to ensure a safe and fun evening. The safety tips spell out SAFE HALLOWEEN.


Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.


Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.

Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.