Keep Halloween Safe with These Tips for Trick-or-Treaters, Parents and Drivers

Halloween is fun and exciting for children. They love the candy and costumes, but the night can also come with hazards. With trick-or-treaters preparing to head out across Prince William County, the Prince William County’s Fire and Rescue System (PWCFRS) and the Office of Community Safety are encouraging residents to take a few simple precautions to help keep Halloween fun and safe for everyone. 

One of the biggest concerns is keeping trick-or-treaters safe around traffic. Brightly colored costumes, reflective tape or stickers, flashlights and glow sticks can make children easier for drivers to see. At the same time, children need to be able to see what is happening around them, so parents should consider face paint instead of masks that could obstruct their child’s vision. 

Drivers also have an important role, particularly as neighborhoods become busier around trick-or-treating hours. The Office of Community Safety encourages drivers to slow down, stay alert and watch for children who may cross the street unexpectedly or step out from between parked cars. Drivers should also take extra care when entering or exiting driveways. 

Safety considerations extend beyond the roadway. Falls are a leading cause of Halloween injuries. Costumes that fit properly and do not drag on the ground can help reduce that risk. PWCFRS also encourages families to choose fire-resistant costumes and consider how Halloween decorations could create additional hazards. 

Battery-operated candles or glow sticks are safer options for lighting jack-o’-lanterns. If real candles are used, adults should light them with long matches or a utility lighter and keep children away from candlelit decorations, including luminaries and jack-o’-lanterns. 

A little planning before children head out can also make the evening safer. Parents should accompany children younger than 12 and choose familiar routes with sidewalks and marked crosswalks. Older children going out without an adult should travel in groups, carry cellphones, have a set curfew and avoid unlit houses. Children should also know never to enter a house or vehicle to get a treat. 

Residents expecting trick-or-treaters can help create a safer environment before the first child arrives at the door. Clearing toys, bikes, garden hoses and other potential tripping hazards from yards and walkways can help prevent falls. Outdoor lights should be turned on, and pets that may be startled by visitors should be kept under control. 

Halloween should be a night children and families can enjoy. By taking a few precautions and watching out for one another, residents can help make neighborhoods across Prince William County safer for everyone celebrating. 

For more information on Halloween safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Safe Kids Worldwide, the National Fire Protection Association or the U.S. Fire Administration and search for Halloween safety