HomeDivisionsOccupational Safety DivisionFall SafetyHalloween Safety

 Halloween Safety Banner - full moon with bats

Halloween and harvest festivals are fun for families, but they can also present serious safety risks.  Kids are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night of the year.

From traffic and trick-or-treating to pumpkin-carving, AFSEC has the tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

 

Safety for Trick-o-Treaters - children dressed in Halloween costumes running

 

- ALWAYS TRICK-OR-TREAT WITH AN ADULT

- ONLY TRICK-OR-TREAT IN WELL-LIT, FAMILIAR AREAS

- NEVER ENTER A STRANGER'S HOME

- IF TRICK-OR-TREATING AFTER DARK, FASTEN REFLECTIVE TAPE TO COSTUMES/BAGS

- ONLY EAT TREATS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN CHECKED OUT BY YOUR PARENTS

 

 

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Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips poster - Airman holding Air Force pumkin

Halloween Safety Tips for Adults poster

 

                         

  • All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
  • Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
  • If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
  • When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
  • Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

 

 

  • Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns
  • Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs or heaters
  • Tell children to stay away from open flames and make sure they know how to "stop, drop and roll"
  • Make sure all smoke alarms are working
  • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes

*Did you know?  Decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year. -NFPA

 

 

  • Slow down and be especially alert for kids in neighborhoods
  • Turn on your headlights
  • Take extra time...look for kids in intersections, medians and on curbs
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours:  5:30pm - 9:30pm

 

                                       

  • USE THE RIGHT TOOLS:  Use the specialty pumpkin carving kits designed to saw through rinds and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp
  • KEEP IT CLEAN, DRY AND BRIGHT:  Carve in a well-lit, clean and dry area
  • DON'T LET KIDS CARVE:  Children 14 and younger should stick to drawing on the pattern and scooping out the seeds
  • CARVE YOUR PUMPKIN WITH THE TOP ON:  This way you won't be tempted to put your hand inside and cut toward your hand
  • KNOW FIRST AID:  If someone does get cut, apply direct pressure to the wound using a dry, clean cloth.  If the bleeding doesn't stop in 15 minutes, go to the emergency room or urgent care clinic