The spookiest and sweetest time of the year is here. Kids young and old from all over Oakland County will be celebrating Halloween. It’s important to stay safe while trick-or-treating in your local neighborhood or at trunk-or-treats. Check out these safety tips to ensure your Halloween outing is safe and filled with treats before you head out.

Trick-or-Treating Tips

• Consider adding reflective tape to a child’s costume to allow for greater visibility.
• Opt for nontoxic makeup over masks, which can make it difficult to see and breathe.
• Test makeup on a small section of the skin to see if any irritation occurs.
• Size your child’s costume correctly so they are comfortable and not trip-hazards. Don’t forget a jacket in case it gets too cold or starts raining or snowing.
• Leave unnecessary accessories or props at home or in the car, so they aren’t lost or become difficult to carry. All props (swords, wands, etc.) should be soft and small enough to avoid causing harm.
• Take a small flashlight or glow sticks for better visibility.
• Walk on sidewalks when possible, to avoid traffic and trip hazards like lawn decorations.
• Demonstrate good manners like waiting in line and thanking the treat-givers.
• Don’t allow trick-or-treaters to enter the home of a stranger, not even an entryway. Tell the children they should wait outside.
• If older children are going without an adult, remind them to travel only in well-lit areas, keep their phones on them and stick with their friends.
• Examine all treats. Inspect the packaging to make sure it has not been damaged or tampered with. Look up allergens and ingredients for candy your child has not eaten before.
• Remove all makeup before bed to avoid skin irritation.

Tips for Passing Out Candy

• If you’re offering allergy-friendly candy or non-food treats, let trick-or-treaters know by setting out a teal pumpkin.
• Encourage those around you to be kind and inclusive. You may receive trick-or-treaters who are non-verbal, have a physical disability or have an intellectual disability.
• Remove all decorations that could be hazardous to excited trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure all pets stay inside. Some dogs and cats may become frightened or aggressive when multiple strangers come into their territory. Do not let children run up to dogs or cats, regardless of whether they are with their owner.
• Use battery-operated candles or Jack-O-Lanterns when possible.

Listen to the Oakland County, Michigan Government News and Information Podcast Halloween episode for more safety tips.

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