Halloween is a fun time of year for people of all ages.  To make sure you and your loved ones have a safe and happy holiday, be sure to read Conway’s Halloween Safety Tips!

Tips for Homeowners:

  • Leave your outside lights on if you want trick-or-treaters, turn them off if you don’t.
  • If you own any pets, be sure they are secured in a room away from the constantly opening front door and chaos of the festivities.  It will ensure that your pet, and your trick-or-treaters are safe.
  • Be sure to clear wet leaves, branches, or other hazards that could cause someone to get hurt while on your property.
  • Don’t use real candles in jack-o-lanterns if you are going to display them in places where trick-or-treaters could knock them over or catch their costumes on fire.
  • Only give out individually wrapped treats.  Sadly homemade treats are often tossed by parents for fear of tampering.  Bring homemade goodies to work instead!


Tips for Parents:

  • Make sure costumes fit well and are flame retardant.  Clothing that is too long or baggy could cause your child to trip and fall.  Masks, wigs, or hats that don’t fit properly could impede their vision and cause an accident as well.
  • Don’t let your child bring any realistic weapons with them as part of their costume.  Fake weapons could be mistaken for real weapons (especially with older teens), and even some fake weapons can still cause an injury in a crowd.
  • For younger children, make sure you either pin or sew their identification information into their costume in the event you get separated.
  • Escort your children while trick-or-treating to ensure their safety.  Older children may want to be ‘grown up’ and just go with friends, but even if you just follow a bit behind you can ensure they don’t enter strangers’ homes, act careless around traffic, or get picked on by older teens looking to get into trouble.
  • Remind your children of Halloween etiquette such as, waiting for their turn, holding doors for others, saying ‘thank you’, not trampling flower beds or back yards, staying on sidewalks, and crossing the streets in crosswalks.
  • Make sure everyone one in your group (including adults) has flashlights and/ or reflectors on their costumes and treat bags to help drivers see you in the dark.
  • Set a clear rule that your kids can’t eat the candy they collect until you can inspect it at home.  Although cases of tampering are extremely rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  Some children may also have food allergies or dietary restricts to look out for as well.

Tips for Party-goers:

  • Make sure you have a designated driver for any events you plan on attending.  This is especially true during the Halloween season when children and teens will be running around the streets in dark costumes late into the evening.  Be sure to drive slow and be aware at all times, or call a cab.
  • Go with friends.  Adults and college students are more likely to attend parties at bars or clubs or stranger’s home.  Be smart, and don’t go alone.  It’s safer to travel in groups, even as an adult.
  • The fake weapons warning in the ‘Tips for Parents’ above may apply even more to teen and adult parties!
  • If you are hosting a party, don’t leave candles or jack-o-lanterns in places that people could bump into them or catch their costume on fire.  It’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your home, too.