Celebrate Halloween safely by following these basic guidelines: 

• Attend a well-planned local drive-thru trunk-or-treat event in your neighborhood for a much safer alternative.
• If trick-or-treating door-to-door, make sure that trick-or-treaters are always accompanied by an adult. There's absolutely no substitute for direct and constant safety supervision.
• Costumes should be completely flame-retardant. This includes wigs, beards, and capes.
• Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of your child's skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises or allergic reactions on the big day.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as "one size fits all," or "no need to see an eye specialist," getting decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes and blocking vision.  
• Do not allow children to carry any sharp or long swords, canes, or sticks as a costume accessory. Your child can easily be hurt by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips. Use props that are pliable and soft to avoid injuries.
• Make sure that shoes fit well, and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping over or catching on things, such as bushes and fences.
• Never use candles or lanterns with open flames. 
• Trick-or-treat in a group and stay together. Only approach houses that have outside lights on.
• Plan your trick-or-treating so that your route is completed before dark.
• If you must trick-or-treat after dark, help assure that everyone can be seen by using flashlights or glow sticks. Consider applying stripes of reflective tape across the front and the back of children's costumes and adults' clothing. Wear costumes that are brightly colored and add striping or reflective tape to trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Be alert of your surroundings and trick-or-treat in familiar, well-lit areas.
• Be traffic alert. Stay on sidewalks, walk facing traffic and cross streets only at intersections, and carry a flashlight or glow sticks for drivers to see you.
• If you are driving Halloween night, be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters. Use extreme caution and drive slowly.
• Children should never eat any treats until an adult has inspected all the candy. Throw away any homemade treats or anything that's not in a sealed wrapper.
• Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities. It is still a good idea to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces to reduce exposure to the virus.
• If you are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, don’t host or attend a Halloween gathering. Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus. 
• Remember that the best way to keep your family and friends safe from COVID-19 during Halloween and other upcoming holidays is to get vaccinated to protect those who are vulnerable, like children and the elderly.
• Remember to keep your face mask on at all times, practice social distance, and wash your hands frequently. Although we are in a much better place than we were at the onset of the pandemic, by doing our part in protecting our health, we can enjoy safer holidays as well as protect the safety of our loved ones and our communities.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-814-8051.