Crime & Safety

Halloween Safety Checklist

What you need to know for a safe trick-or-treating experience

It’s almost Halloween and the Atlanta Police Department would like to give you a few tips so that everyone remains safe. See this APD video on ways to make sure you and your family enjoy a safe and happy Halloween.

Also, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta offers this checklist for a safe Halloween:

Review this list as the sun rises on Halloween and make sure all are checked before dusk.

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Home:

  • Remove hazards from front porch and yard, such as pots, branches, candles and hoses.
  • Confine household pets, and make sure they are wearing collars.
  • Leave jack-o-lantern carving to adults and use battery-powered lights.

Food:

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  • Talk to children in advance about boundaries for how many pieces of candy will be eaten Halloween night (three to five recommended).
  • When choosing candies to give on Halloween, select ones with nutritional value like chocolates (the darker the better) or candies with nuts.
  • Send kids trick-or-treating on a full stomach by planning an easy meal, like a bowl of whole-wheat pasta or a quick peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Costumes:

  • Make sure masks have eyeholes large enough for full vision.
  • Check for loose clothing that could easily brush up against jack-o-lanterns.
  • Read labels to make sure fabrics are flame resistant—remind to stop, drop and roll.

Accessories:

  • Test props to make sure they are flexible and confirm face paint is non-toxic.
  • Add reflective tape and stickers if costumes are not bright.
  • Ensure kids carry a flashlight and cell phone.

Route:

  • Chaperone children age 13 and younger.
  • Remind kids to stay on sidewalk; walk facing traffic and avoid shortcuts.
  • Set a rule to visit only well-lit houses and remain on porch.


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