Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids, with costumes, candy, and the thrill of knocking on doors after dark. Here at Saint Francis, we are dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families. Every child deserves a night that is both fun and safe, so we’re sharing a few simple tips from the National Safety Council to help ensure everyone has a great Halloween.
Costume Safety
- Be sure to choose a costume that won’t cause safety hazards; all costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
- Choose non-toxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision
For Trick-or-Treaters
Unfortunately, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility from low nighttime lighting also contributes to these incidents.
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
- Agree on a specific time children should return home
- Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies
For Halloween Drivers
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
Look out for every child
Not every child has a safe, stable home to return to after they collect the last piece of candy. Saint Francis Ministries works every day to provide care, stability, and hope for children and families in need. Halloween is a good reminder that we build safety together, all year long.
