We received a huge number of safety tips this year, and I wanted to share some of my favorite highlights with you so you can enjoy a fun, yummy, and SAFE Halloween with your kids.  We did a segment with FOX News a while back that has some great safety tips, including ones for older kids (checkpoints, etc.).


Here are some new tips:

First, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), whose data shows that Halloween is among the top three holidays producing the most ER visits:

•  Never let children carve pumpkins.  Adults carving pumpkins should remember to use specifically designed carving knives, rather than kitchen knives, as they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin skin.  Carve the pumpkin in small, controlled strokes, away from oneself on a strong, sturdy surface.
•  Be considerate of fire hazards when lighting jack-o-lantern candles or use non-flammable light sources, like glow sticks or artificial pumpkin lights. Alternatively, try painting pumpkins for a fun, creative option and removes the risks of carving.
•  Halloween costumes should be light and bright, so children are clearly visible to motorists and other pedestrians, and flame-resistant.  Trim costumes and bags with reflective tape that glows in the dark.
•  Children should wear sturdy, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes to avoid falls.
•  Trick-or-treaters should only approach houses that are well lit.  Both children and parents should carry flashlights to see and be seen.

And from Trusted Choice, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers:

  • Don’t be a Scary Driver: Drive sober, slowly and even more carefully than usual on Halloween. Watch for children who may be running or wearing dark costumes in the road.
  • See and Be Seen: Encourage each trick-or-treater and adult chaperones to carry a flashlight. Apply light-reflecting material to costumes.
  • Power in Numbers: When traveling on foot, walk in groups and cross only at corners and crosswalks—never between parked cars—and stay on well-lit streets.
  • Pet Safety: Keep pets inside. Warn your children to stay away from animals as they go door-to-door. Halloween night can be stressful, even on the friendliest on the friendliest creature including the neighborhood dogs and cats.
  • Candy Inspection:  Cavities aren’t the only candy-related risks on Halloween. Inspect all trick-or-treat candy and other treats. Never eat unwrapped items. Collect candy only from people you know and trust and ask the local police department if it offers a candy x-ray and/or inspection service. Throw away any suspicious candy.