Wisconsin Emergency Management Passes Along Halloween Safety Tips

Don’t be scared…Be prepared! Halloween safety tips

It’s that time of year when ghosts and witches will be roaming neighborhoods looking for treats.  Before those princesses and superheroes are ready to start trick-or-treating, ReadyWisconsin has a few tips to help you and your families have a happy and safe Halloween.

Trick or Treat Rules

Children under the age of 12 should not trick-or-treat alone. In addition, children over the age of 12 should walk in groups or with a trusted adult.  Trick-or-treaters should only go to well-lit homes and never accept rides from strangers.   Children and adults should hold a flashlight or a light stick and have reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers better see them.

Before eating any Halloween candy, an adult should examine all treats to check for tampering and choking hazards.   Avoid eating any homemade treats made by strangers.

Safe Costumes & Decorations

Make sure costumes (including masks, beards and wigs) are flame resistant.  Stay away from long trailing fabric to prevent falls and wear well-fitting masks to avoid blocked vision. 

Avoid using real candles to light up jack o’ lanterns.  Use flashlights or battery-operated candles.  They are safe to use and will still make your pumpkin glow, while preventing costumes from catching on fire.

Safety Tips for Motorists

Drivers should watch for trick-or-treaters walking on roadways, medians and curbs.  Know when your community is holding trick-or-treat hours.  Many communities hold trick-or-treating on the weekend before Halloween.

For safety information all year, visit us at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.