Halloween Safety Tips by FLAT SOCKS Kids
Stay Safe & Cozy Trick or Treating with FLAT SOCKS®
With free candy and dressing up with friends, kids often get caught up in all the Halloween fun and forget about important safety rules. From going out in groups to crafting comfortable costumes with FLAT SOCKS Kids, check out the following safety tips for a Happy Halloween.
How can parents help children be safe on Halloween?
All children should have a safe and fun Halloween. The best way parents can help children and teens stay safe is to be proactive and remind them of important rules about traffic laws, staying together, and avoiding strangers.
If you have a child with autism or sensory processing disorder, having fun means being prepared. That includes dressing up in sensory friendly clothing like seamless socks for kids. Because some activities or sensations can be overwhelming, we’ve included some Halloween safety tips for kids with sensory issues, too.
The #1 Rule of Halloween Safety
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are at a higher risk of being hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Research shows that between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., popular trick or treating hours, is also the riskiest time of day for child pedestrians.
Looking both ways and understanding when and where to cross traffic is the #1 rule of Halloween safety. Kids must know how to walk safely even in their own neighborhoods. If you or your teen are driving on Halloween, slow down and be alert in areas with pedestrians.
Help your child walk safely this Halloween by reminding them of the following rules:
- Do not assume that vehicles will stop.
- Look both ways and only cross at designated crosswalks or corners.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing out of driveways before crossing.
- Do not cross the street between parked cars, as some cars may be backing up.
- Try to cross the street in groups.
- Walk on sidewalks when possible or off the roadway, facing traffic.
- Put down phones or tablets when crossing the road.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
Trick or Treat Safety Tips for Kids & Teens
How you teach your child Halloween safety depends on their age and what their plans are for the night. Kids with sensory issues face triggers like uncomfortable costumes or scary decorations, so preparation is key.
Follow these safe trick-or-treating tips for kids of all ages:
Wear Comfortable Costumes
Comfortable Halloween costumes that are highly visible keep kids happy and safe. Trick or treating requires more walking than some kids are used to, and the weather can be unpredictable. Prioritize safe Halloween costumes for kids by:
- Wearing shoes and clothes that fit to prevent tripping, blisters or aching feet.
- Choosing FLAT SOCKS Kids seamless socks that wick away sweat and don’t slip. Complete your kid’s costume with dinosaur socks, rainbow socks and more.
- Decorating costumes and trick or treat bags with reflective tape.
- Avoiding masks that obstruct vision and breathing. Use non-toxic face paint or makeup instead.
- Carrying glowsticks or flashlights with fresh batteries.
- Avoiding colored contact lenses unless prescribed by an eye doctor.
- Dressing in layers if the weather is chilly or rainy.
For children with sensory issues, invite them to choose their own clothes for Halloween. You can swap out parts of the costume for familiar textures like their bath robe instead of a cloak. They should try on their costume, including makeup, several days in advance.
Know When & Where to Trick-or-Treat
Many neighborhoods have their own set time for trick or treat. Most residential areas start trick or treating around 5:30 p.m. and stop trick or treating as late as 9:00 p.m. Look for trick or treat times in the local paper and online.
It's tempting to look up “best places to trick or treat near me” for bigger candy hauls, but kids are safest when trick or treating in familiar places. Stick to your own neighborhood and pre-plan your route, especially if you have older kids who like to go ahead of you.
Consider Indoor Trick or Treating
Noisy crowds, flashy decorations, and traffic can trigger sensory meltdowns. Help kids feel more comfortable by walking the neighborhood a day or two before the big night. You can also try indoor trick or treating at schools, churches, or community centers.
Stay in a Group
Kids under 12 need adult supervision and should know how to call 911 or their parents if lost. No kid should be alone when trick or treating regardless of how old they are, so even pre-teens and tweens need their friends or family with them.
For older children, set up an established route along with a curfew. Have them carry a phone to check in frequently, too. You might consider tracking your teen’s phone for added safety measures.
Be Wary of Strangers
Parents often worry about stranger danger on Halloween. Sticking to familiar neighborhoods and staying in groups can help you avoid this risk. Safety lessons about strangers can be tough for kids who struggle socially. Remind your child to only go up to houses with porch lights that are on and never go into a stranger’s home or vehicle.
Check for Food Safety
Practice Halloween food safety by inspecting your kid’s bag of treats before they dig in. Checking Halloween candy is crucial for kids with food allergies. Toss any candy with holes or torn packages as well as homemade treats by people you don’t know.
While you’re at it, you might as well save a piece or two for yourself. It’s never too late to remind your kids to stay safe nor is it ever too early to teach them about paying taxes.
Be Spooky & Safe with FLAT SOCKS Kids
By taking extra steps to keep your kids safe this Halloween, you can guarantee a fun, spooky holiday filled with memories. For a comfortable Halloween costume that keeps their feet warm, dry and comfy, try FLAT SOCKS shoe inserts for kids and teens.
References:
Halloween Health & Safety Tips. (2023). HealthyChildren.org.
Halloween Safety Tips. (n.d.). Safe Kids Worldwide.
Sadiqa Kendi, & Johnston, B. (2023). Epidemiology and Prevention of Child Pedestrian Injury. Pediatrics, 152(1). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-062508
Trick or Treating Safety Tips. (2024). American Family Insurance.
