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Trick-or-treat safety

The steps that keep children safe while trick-or-treating, from visible, flame-resistant costumes to walking rules and checking candy before eating it.

What It Means

Trick-or-treat safety covers what families do to keep children safe on Halloween night, when kids in costumes walk door to door after dark. Federal agencies split the advice by subject: FDA covers costumes, makeup and candy, and NHTSA covers walking near traffic. Most of it is about being seen, staying on safe routes and checkingChecking accountA bank or credit union account for everyday money going in and out, used by debit card, checks, transfers and direct deposit. See more treats before anyone eats them.

Try It: Flip Through the Halloween Safety Cards

Tap a card to see what FDA or NHTSA advises.

The costume

Look for "flame resistant" on the label. Pick bright colors or add reflective tape, and keep it short enough not to trip on. (FDA)

The face

Makeup and hats instead of masks that block a child's view. (FDA)

Before leaving

Eat a snack first, so nobody is tempted to dig into the bag on the way. (FDA)

Who goes

Set up a buddy system so nobody walks home alone. (NHTSA)

On the street

Use sidewalks. With none, walk facing traffic, as far from it as possible. Cross at crosswalks or intersections and watch for turning cars. (NHTSA)

After dark

Reflective material or a flashlight, so drivers can see you. (NHTSA)

Back home

Check the candy before anyone eats it. (FDA)

Little ones

Take out gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys, which are choking hazards for very young children. (FDA)

How People Say It

  • "Stay where I can see you, and wait at the corner."
  • "Nobody eats anything until we get home."
  • "Put the glow stick on so cars can see you."

The Breakdown

Before you go

  1. Check the costume label for "flame resistant." If you're making one, FDA points to flame-resistant fabrics.
  2. Choose bright colors or add strips of reflective tape, and hem anything long enough to trip over.
  3. Swap a mask for makeup and a hat so your child can see clearly.
  4. Have everyone eat a snack before heading out.

On the walk

  1. Go with a buddy system so nobody heads home alone.
  2. Stay on sidewalks. Where there aren't any, walk facing traffic and as far from it as you can.
  3. Cross at crosswalks or intersections, obey the signs and signals, and look for cars from every direction, including ones turning.
  4. Carry a flashlight or wear reflective material once it's dark.

Back home

  1. Sort and check the candy before anyone eats it.
  2. For very young children, take out gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys.

Short version to try today. Add reflective tape to the costume and a flashlight to the treat bag, and agree that the candy waits until it's been checked at home.

Good to Know

FDA's Halloween advice covers costumes, makeup and candy, and NHTSA's covers walking near traffic, so it's worth reading both pages before the night. If a child is hurt or someone is in danger, call 911.

FAQ

What should kids wear to be safe trick-or-treating?

A costume labeled flame resistant, in bright colors or with reflective tape, and short enough not to trip on, according to FDA. NHTSA adds reflective material or a flashlight after dark.

Should I check my child's Halloween candy?

Yes. FDA advises checking treats at home before eating them, and removing gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys from very young children's bags because they're choking hazards.

What are the walking rules for trick-or-treating?

NHTSA advises using sidewalks, walking facing traffic where there aren't any, crossing at crosswalks or intersections, and looking for cars in every direction. A buddy system keeps anyone from walking alone.

Do It in Buhata

Countdown, Shopping, Reminders

Set a Countdown to Halloween in Buhata and put reflective tape and flashlight batteries on the Shopping list a week ahead.

Open Buhata

Related Terms and Categories

  • Choking vs gagging

    Gagging is a noisy, normal reflex that keeps food out of a baby's airway; choking is a blocked airway, often silent, that needs 911 and first aid.

  • Stranger danger

    The old rule telling children to fear and avoid all strangers. NCMEC now teaches kids to spot risky situations, since most abducted children are taken by someone they know.

  • Goody bags

    Small bags of treats or toys a party host hands each child to take home, also called party favors or loot bags.

  • Allergen introduction

    Giving a baby common allergy-causing foods, such as peanut and egg, early in the first year to lower the chance of a food allergy.

Holidays and celebrations

Sources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Halloween Safety Tips: Costumes, Candy, and Colored Contact Lenses"; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians, More"

Last updated .