Halloween Safety

October 10, 2024 at 9:20 AM

Most people think of children’s safety when planning for Halloween activities. But Halloween fun and preparedness doesn’t have an age limit. Whether you’re driving home from work during trick-or-treating hours, hosting a party or handing out candy at your home, these safety tips can help keep you and others safe this Halloween.

Safety Tips for Motorists

Tamariki (children) are at higher risk of being hit and seriously injured by a car on Halloween.

As a motorist on Halloween, it’s best to practice defensive driving regardless of whether you’re on the highway or in your neighbourhood. Additional motorist tips include:

Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.
Remove all distractions and stay off your phone.
Carefully enter and exit alleys and driveways.
Slow down when you are near pedestrians as tamariki (children) may suddenly dart into your path.

Always be alert and prepared to stop for trick-or-treaters at corners, pedestrian crossings and traffic signals.

Staying safe on Halloween

Advice for tamariki going trick-or-treating.

If you or your tamariki are unwell or have any symptoms of COVID-19 or Flu stay at home and get a test. By staying at home this Halloween, you will help keep everyone safe.
Wash and sanitise your hands regularly.
If you or your tamariki are out trick-or-treating, keep track of the houses you visit and the time you were there.
Some people may not be comfortable with trick-or-treaters on their property. They may put a sign out, or have other ways of letting you know they do not want to participate. Please respect this and do not enter that property.

Advice for handing out candy:

Wash or sanitise your hands before giving out candy.
If you are not comfortable with people coming on to your property, put a sign out.
Try not to use shared bowls or unwrapped lollies or candy. Instead hand out individual pre-packaged lollies, candy or chocolate bars.
Have sanitiser available for tamariki to use.
Do not participate if you or anyone in your household is unwell.

Party Hosting Tips

When decorating for your party, be mindful of decorations that can become a safety hazard. For example, you can reduce fire hazards on Halloween by swapping open-flame candles for battery-operated candles both inside and outside.

If your guests will be drinking at the party, encourage them to walk to your home, arrange for a designated driver or plan to use a rideshare service at the end of the night.

Homeowner Preparedness

Prepare your home for trick-or-treaters and other guests by:

Making sure sidewalks and other pathways are lit and free of trip hazards (e.g. electric cords, water hoses).
Clearing your property of debris and other hazards in case children don’t use sidewalks or properly lit areas.
Safely securing your pets as they may become confused, protective or aggressive due to additional foot traffic, loud noises and costumes.
Check your first aid kit is up to date.

For more Halloween safety tips, check out EMS Safety’s top tips for trick-or-treating.

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