Halloween Safety Tips for Families: A Parent’s Guide to a Fun Night

When I think back to when my son Zach was little, I’m reminded of how much anticipation comes with Halloween. As a parent, you want your child to enjoy the evening. You’re also the one thinking about how to get everyone home safely.

The details that deserve attention are usually pretty ordinary. A costume hem that drags. A mask that makes it hard to see. A child who spots friends across the street and forgets to stop before crossing.

As a CPR and safety instructor, I want families to feel prepared without spending the whole evening worrying. These Halloween safety tips for families are a good place to start.

Give the costume a test run

Before Halloween night, have your child walk around in the complete outfit, including the shoes. You’ll quickly notice if a cape gets caught underfoot or a mask keeps slipping over their eyes.

Comfortable shoes may not be the most thrilling part of the costume, but they’ll make the walk more enjoyable. Shorten anything that drags, and make sure accessories won’t cause an injury if your child stumbles. If a mask blocks their view or makes breathing difficult, consider face paint instead.

In an October 2022 report, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated an average of 3,200 Halloween-related emergency department visits annually over the preceding three years. Falls accounted for 25%, including trips while trick-or-treating and falls while putting up or removing decorations.

If you’re handing out candy, check your own walkway after dark. Move cords and decorations away from the walking path, and make sure visitors can clearly see the steps.

Slow down between candy stops

Children have plenty to look at on Halloween. Watching traffic may take a back seat when they spot a particularly good decoration across the street.

Before heading out, review where you’ll cross and remind children to stay together. Carry a flashlight and add reflective tape to costumes or treat bags. Young children should have an adult with them. Older children going with friends should have an agreed route and return time.

Cross at corners or marked crosswalks rather than between parked cars. Keep phones tucked away while walking so everyone can pay attention.

The traffic risk deserves attention. A study published online in JAMA Pediatrics in October 2018 examined U.S. data for 1975 through 2016. Researchers found 43% higher pedestrian fatality risk on Halloween evening compared with the same hours one week before and after. That finding covered pedestrians of all ages.

If you’re driving, leave yourself extra time and slow down in neighborhoods. Look carefully around parked cars and before backing out of a driveway. Children may move suddenly or be difficult to see.

Let children design the pumpkin while adults handle the cutting

There are plenty of ways for younger children to help with a pumpkin. They can draw the face or scoop out the seeds while an adult handles the carving.

Pumpkin carving accounted for 55% of Halloween-related injuries in that same 2022 CPSC report. Give yourself enough time to work without rushing, and keep little hands away from the cutting area.

Once your pumpkin is ready, use a battery-operated candle. You’ll still get the glow without an open flame near passing costumes.

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s 2020 through 2024 data, candles started about one-third of home decoration fires. Those figures cover the entire year, not Halloween alone. Keep decorations away from flames and other heat sources, and leave doorways clear.

Save the candy tasting for home

Once everyone gets home, look through the treats before children start eating. Check for open or damaged packaging and read ingredient labels if your child has food allergies.

For babies and toddlers, some treats need to go into an older family member’s pile. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance, updated in September 2026, advises against hard candy, gum, gummy candy, popcorn, and treats containing whole nuts for this age group because of choking risks. Small toys and loose wrappers can also be hazards.

Have children sit down to enjoy their treats. If your child has prescribed emergency allergy medication, bring it along while trick-or-treating and make sure the supervising adult knows how to use it.

Build confidence before an emergency happens

You can make thoughtful plans and still have something unexpected happen. Learning CPR and choking response gives you a chance to practice what to do before someone needs your help.

For parents and other caregivers, a class that includes infant and child CPR and choking response is a practical investment that lasts well beyond Halloween.

If you’d like to arrange training for your family or workplace, contact me to discuss a class. I’d love to help you feel more confident about stepping in when it matters.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!

Gail Gould

CPR and Safety Lady