Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is one of the most celebrated dates in the US. With over 90% of the population participating in this annual ritual, we've listed a few Halloween Safety Tips to make sure your Trick or Treating is a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here are some simple Halloween Safety Tips for Parents trick or treating with their little ghouls, vampires and princesses:

  • Be sure older kids go with friends and younger kids are accompanied by a trusted adult/guardian when Trick or Treating.
  • Accompany younger kids to the door of every home they approach and make sure that you are familiar with each home and the people from whom the kids receive treats.
  • Teach kids to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from you or a guardian.
  • Teach kids to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by you or a guardian.
  • Make sure all the kids are wearing reflective clothing and carrying a glow stick when out at night.
  • Make sure kids are able to breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
  • Teach kids to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.
  • Teach kids to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to you or a trusted guardian.
  • Teach kids that if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene; loudly yell this person is not my father/mother/guardian; and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.
  • Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to Trick or Treating.

    For those adults planning on attending the Annual Halloween Parties beware of drink spiking. There can be many reasons for spiking a drink including as a prank, to aid in sexual assault, theft/robbery or even kidnapping. It is one of the most under reported crimes and therefore there is a lack of crucial data to be able to assess the true number of spiking incidents and drug facilitated crimes. It can happen in any place where drinking occurs, in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, raves, clubs, bars, pubs, restaurants, even private house parties.

    There are some basic rules that can be followed to help protect you from this cowardly act:

  • Never leave your drink unattended
  • Watch you drink being poured
  • Don’t accept drinks from people you do not know or trust
  • Although a bottle may be harder to slip something into than a glass but is still not 100% safe
  • Watch your friends and their behaviour and try not to go out alone
  • If your drink doesn’t taste right, discard it
  • Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
  • Keep your eyes and ears open; if there is talk of date rape drugs or if friends seem "too intoxicated" for what they have taken, leave the party or club immediately and don't go back.

    Taking simple safety precautions can ensure that everyone has a safe, fun-filled Halloween night of Trick or Treating.


    **Angie M. Tarighi is the CEO/Founder of Women's Self-Defense Institute and EasySafety4U.com providing self defense training, education awareness & personal protection products empowering women to fight back against crime.

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