Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe This Halloween With These Safety Tips

Clear Paths and Walkways

Candy-seeking trick-or-treaters will be traversing your front walkways throughout the night, so make sure the path to your door is easy to travel. “Keep walkways clear of decorations, cords and clutter to prevent injury,” Andrew Roszak, executive director for the Institute for Childhood Preparedness, says. “Costumes can be bulky or limit visibility, so it’s essential to remove tripping hazards and ensure a clear, flat path to the door.” Don’t forget to clear away any fallen leaves as well.

Provide Adequate Lighting

While it’s spookier to keep things dimly lit, make sure pathways and porches are bright enough to prevent falls. “Good lighting is important for everyone’s safety,” Roszak says. “We often suggest using string or ground lights to make walkways more visible.” Another option is solar lights or battery-powered lanterns to direct the light onto the pathway without taking away from the darker ambience of the night.

Avoid Open Flames

“Use LED candles in pumpkins instead of open flames,” Roszak says, to improve trick-or-treat home safety. Many Halloween costumes are made of highly flammable material and should be kept far away from any open flames. Traditional candles can be knocked over, increasing the risk of accidental fires. LED alternatives provide the same eerie glow without the risk. They’re also longer-lasting and safer for children and pets who may be running around nearby.

Secure Loose Handrails and Steps

If your front door isn’t used frequently, it’s worth checking that handrails and steps are sound and secure. Tighten bolts and screws on loose handrails, secure fasteners on wood stairs and reset any loose bricks. Repair spalling or cracked concrete stairs as well to provide an even, sound walking surface and improve your trick-or-treat home safety.

Practice Extension Cord Safety

If using extension cords to plug in spooky lights, sound effects or animatronics, make sure to use them safely and avoid creating tripping hazards for trick-or-treaters. Make sure all cords are rated for outdoor use to prevent the risk of electric shock. Secure cords along the ground or tape them down to avoid creating tripping hazards. Try to avoid running cords across sidewalks or front steps, but if necessary, use a cable cover to reduce the risk of falls.

Prepare for Weather Conditions

In certain climates, the end of October can experience freezing temperatures and even snow. Look ahead at the weather forecast, and plan to keep your sidewalks, stairs and porches safe in any weather. Add sand or salt to icy sidewalks, remove wet, slippery leaves and shovel any snow that may fall before or on the big night. Taking these precautions ensures trick-or-treaters can walk safely without the risk of slips or falls.

Keep Decorations Fun for All Ages

While it’s fun to embrace Halloween’s scary side, remember that children will be coming to your home for candy. Keep younger kids in mind and choose decorations that keep the gore and fright age-appropriate. Also, anticipate that curious children may want to get a closer look at your spooky displays, so make sure they are safe. “Opt for soft, harmless props such as rubber or fake decorations—not real pitchforks or shovels!” Roszak advises. Keep decorations away from walkways, and use well-lit paths to guide trick-or-treaters safely to your door.

Greet Trick-or-Treaters at the Door

If possible, try to personally hand out candy to visiting trick-or-treaters. “Handing out candy at the door gives adults a chance to engage, keep an eye on safety and contribute to a feeling of community in the neighborhood,” Roszak says. “If families prefer a self-serve station, we recommend keeping your porch well-lit and keeping the candy close to the door, so kids don’t wander off-path.”

Consider Food Allergies

To help trick-or-treaters with food allergies feel welcome and safe at your home, consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Initiative. “This initiative encourages families to offer non-food treats (like stickers or small toys) for children with food allergies. Displaying a teal pumpkin shows your home is allergy-friendly and inclusive, a great way to make sure all kids can enjoy Halloween,” Roszak says.

Safely Store Candy Away from Pets

Halloween treats can pose serious health risks to pets if not properly stored. “Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs,” Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director of toxicology at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control, says. “Kids love to stash candy in their rooms, but a dog’s keen sense of smell will lead them to even the most cleverly hidden sweets.” She also warns against candies with xylitol and raisins as dangerous to pets if ingested. “If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately,” Wismer says.

Protect Pets from Halloween Stress

“For pets, especially those who aren’t social butterflies, [Halloween] can be overwhelming or frightening,” Dr. Pamela Reid, vice president of the Behavioral Sciences Team at the ASPCA, says. “If you’re unsure how your pet will react, it’s better to err on the side of caution.” She recommends keeping pets in a quiet, secure space away from the front door during trick-or-treating, while wearing a collar and tags in case they slip outside. Reid adds a final word about pet costumes: “Only dress your pet if they’re comfortable wearing one and never leave them unsupervised in a costume,” she says.

About the Experts

• Andrew Roszak is the executive director for the Institute for Childhood Preparedness, a nonprofit organization specializing in emergency preparedness and trainings for early childhood education settings.
• Dr. Tina Wismer is senior director of toxicology at ASPCA Poison Control.
• Dr. Pamela Reid is vice president of the Behavioral Sciences Team at the ASPCA.