Staying Safe for Halloween

For centuries, Halloween has been celebrated around the world by children and adults alike. While the reason for celebration has gradually changed since the first Celtic festivals, October 31st has long been recognized as a day for communities to come together to enjoy spooky fun. Today, Halloween remains one of the most popular holidays in the United States and is often spent visiting haunted houses, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. In 2024, an estimated $11.6 billion will be spent on Halloween-related goods, with more than 70% of Americans planning to celebrate.

Though many embrace Halloween as a day filled with costumes, decorations, and candy, it can also pose dangers for those who do not know how to enjoy the holiday safely. Emergency room visits due to cuts from pumpkin carving, falls while trick-or-treating, and allergic reactions to peanuts all spike on the 31st, but can be avoided by taking necessary steps to protect yourself and your trick-or-treating partners. 

To enjoy the holiday safely, consider the following tips:

• When picking out a costume, ensure its materials are flame-resistant.
• Make sure your costume fits properly to prevent tripping.
• Consider wearing non-toxic makeup instead of masks that can obscure your vision.
• Avoid wearing colored contact lenses unless you have a prescription.
• Do not let young children carry sharp items or long accessories such as swords which can cause injuries.
• Add your child’s name, address, and your phone number to their candy baskets in case they get lost.
• If your children plan on trick-or-treating without an adult, create a buddy system, plan a walking route, and set a time when they should return home. Instruct them not to enter strangers’ homes or cars and to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
• Do not place candle-lit pumpkins near your doorstep. If you would like a jack-o-lantern on your porch, use a flameless light source.
• Do not allow young children to carve their own pumpkins.
• Check your treats to see if they are unwrapped, expired, or contain allergens.

Following these safety tips can prevent most accidental injuries, but other safety hazards are present on Halloween. With lots of excited children near roads and an increase in impaired drivers, October 31st remains one of the most dangerous days of the year for child pedestrians. These tragic accidents happen far too often on Halloween night, however, they are largely preventable by following a few additional safety tips.

“Trick or treating is right around the corner and there is so much excitement in the air for all the costumes and spooky fun,” said State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Lockport), who is also a police officer. “For the kids, remember to look both ways before crossing the street, and drivers, please be extra cautious so we can all enjoy a safe and happy Halloween.”

To minimize the risk of pedestrian accidents, make sure to:

• Trick-or-treat before dark and in familiar areas.
• Add reflective tape to darker costumes and carry glow sticks or flashlights to increase visibility.
• Remain on the sidewalk whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, stay to the left, facing traffic.
• Cross the road at crosswalks only. Look both ways and do not assume cars will stop for you, even if you have the right of way.
• Look out for cars that may be backing out of driveways or alleys.
• Keep an eye on young children at all times and have your group stay close together.