10/07/2026
October is Halloween Safety Month
This month focuses on protecting children and communities during evening autumn festivities. Research shows that children are twice as likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year, making visibility and awareness the primary focus of this initiative.
👻 Smart Costume & Vision Safety-
• Prioritize face paint over masks: Makeup keeps a child's full peripheral vision clear. If you must use a mask, ensure the eye holes are cut wide enough. Always patch-test cosmetics on a small area of skin beforehand to prevent chemical irritation or allergic reactions.
• Avoid tripping hazards: Hem long capes, gowns, and skirts so they sit well above the ankles to prevent trips and falls.
• Stay away from sharp props: Swords, magic wands, and canes should be made of soft, flexible foam or plastic to eliminate the risk of accidental eye injuries.
• Verify novelty lenses: Never purchase decorative contact lenses from beauty supply stores or online vendors without a valid prescription. Only use colored lenses fitted by an eye care professional and approved by the FDA.
🚶♂️ Pedestrian & Traffic Precautions-
• Brighten the night: Fasten reflective tape or bright stickers to dark costume materials and treat bags. Have every trick-or-treater carry a flashlight, wearable light, or glow stick.
• Follow strict street rules: Stick exclusively to sidewalks and cross only at street corners or designated crosswalks. Teach children to look both ways and avoid darting out from between parked cars.
• Set age boundaries: Children under the age of 12 require direct adult supervision. For older children trick-or-treating in groups, establish a pre-planned route, a strict curfew, and maintain active phone tracking.
🍬 Candy & Treat Inspections-
• Enforce a "no eating on the go" rule: Instruct children not to consume any treats until they return home and an adult can inspect them in a well-lit area.
• Discard sketchy wrappers: Throw away any homemade baked goods from strangers, open candy wrappers, or treats missing commercial labels.
• Check for hidden risks: Be mindful of choking hazards like small hard candies, jawbreakers, or gum for young kids. Check treats closely for allergens, and always verify that lookalike gummy snacks do not contain active THC. Consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project by offering non-food items like stickers or bubbles for kids with severe dietary restrictions.
