Halloween Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Night

As Halloween approaches, it's time for witches, goblins, and superheroes to take to the streets. While Halloween in Canada is an exciting time, ensuring a safe and fun experience for all is essential. The Canadian Red Cross shares these Halloween safety tips to help parents, children, and even pets stay safe while enjoying the spooky festivities. 

Costume Safety

• Choose light-coloured, flame-resistant costumes with reflective strips so kids are easily seen at night.
• Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
• Add reflective tape to bikes, skateboards, and brooms for better visibility.
• Avoid costumes with masks or items that obstruct vision—opt for face paint instead.
• Steer clear of open flames and candles as costumes can be highly flammable.

 

Trick-or-Treating Tips

• Children should stay on sidewalks—walking, not running, and definitely no slithering or sneaking in the street!
• Plan a trick-or-treat route ahead of time and ensure kids follow one side of the street before crossing to the other.
• Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Remind kids to look both ways for cars, trucks, and the occasional low-flying broomstick.
• Carry a flashlight to help see and be seen by others.

Travel in Groups

• Ensure trick-or-treaters travel in groups of at least four or five. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Visit homes that have the porch light on to signal that they’re open to trick-or-treaters.
• Set boundaries for where kids can go, and make sure they return home on time.

Candy Safety

• Accept treats at the door only—never enter strangers' homes or cars.
• Remind children not to eat candy until it’s inspected by an adult at home. Avoid consuming treats if the packaging is already opened.
• Be mindful of small, hard candies that could pose a choking hazard to younger kids.

Additional Tips for Parents

• Identify where the Block Parent houses are in your neighborhood as a safe spot if needed.
• Teach Halloween safety through conversations and role-playing. Reiterate the importance of staying with the group and being aware of their surroundings.
• Want to learn more about keeping your family safe during Halloween and beyond? Consider enrolling in one of our First Aid at Home courses. These courses are perfect for parents, caregivers, and anyone wanting to be prepared in case of an emergency.
• We also offer youth-specific courses like Babysitting and Stay Safe! designed to teach young Canadians essential safety skills. These courses empower youth to handle situations safely and confidently, whether they’re babysitting or just spending time at home alone.
• Do you know a young person who shows leadership potential? Help them develop these skills and inspire their peers by becoming a Youth Leader with the Canadian Red Cross. It’s a great opportunity to learn life-saving skills and make a positive impact in the community.

 

Halloween Safety for Pets

Don't forget about your furry family members! Here are some Halloween safety tips for pets:

• Keep pets indoors or in a quiet, secure room to avoid the noise and stress of visitors.
• Ensure your pet's costume is comfortable and safe with no small parts that could be swallowed.
• Make sure your pet has updated ID tags, just in case they get out during the festivities.

Stay Safe, Have Fun!

Halloween is a time for fun and adventure, but safety should always come first. Follow these Halloween safety tips to ensure your trick-or-treating night is full of good memories—not incidents.

Find more safety advice in the First Aid Tips section. You can sign up for a First Aid course nearby to learn more and prepare yourself. Also, download the Red Cross First Aid app to easily access life-saving tips and instructions.