With Halloween just a few short weeks away, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the most important safety tips for this candy-filled and costume-doning holiday. With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway and affecting many states heavily throughout the country, the health of you and your children must be the top priority when celebrating the holidays this year, Halloween included.

Although Halloween may look and feel a little distant this year, it can still be a time to celebrate the unofficial start of the holiday season for many. So what better way than in a fun costume and treats to satisfy your inner sweet tooth? 

Celebrating Halloween During a Pandemic

With the rise of influenza and COVID-19 cases this year, the  CDC highly recommends celebrating Halloween at home with your inner circle. However, if you plan to take your children out trick-or-treating, we have some must-follow safety and health guidelines for the big day, along with some general safety tips to use every year. 

Here are some best practices when it comes to Halloween safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Stay away from others who are not in your immediate household.
2. Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it throughout trick or treating.
3. Incorporate a face mask as part of your child’s Halloween costume. 
4. Do not use a costume mask as an alternative to a standard protective facemask.
5. Do not double mask with a costume mask and a facemask.
6. Wash hands when you arrive home and before consuming any treats for at least 20 seconds.

Yearly Halloween Safety Guidelines to Consider

Aside from having fun and making memories, the biggest goal for participating in activities that could bring you and your children close to others is to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using tried and true safety measures, like masking, social distancing, and keeping your distance from others will lessen your chances of contracting the virus while allowing your children to celebrate a holiday they love.

Outside of the realm of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are safety measures your children should take each Halloween to stay safe while trick or treating. 

Some of the best safety tips include:

1. Trick or treating with a group. Avoid sending your children out alone or without a supervising adult.
2. Only trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
3. Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating.
4. Walk, don’t run from house to house.
5. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible or the far edge of the road facing traffic.
6. Look in both directions when crossing a street to make sure that no cars are coming.
7.  If the street has a stoplight, wait until the crosswalk light tells you it is okay to cross.
8. Choose bright costumes, and have children carry glow sticks, so they are easily visible in the dark.

9. Parents should always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.
10. Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before consumption.
11. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
12. Make sure your children know your phone number and address ahead of time, in case you accidentally separate from one another.

Halloween is a kid-friendly holiday that brings about feelings of excitement and joy for many. As we embark on the holiday season, we encourage you to find pockets of joy while remaining diligent in keeping you and your children safe. From our team to your family… Happy Halloween!