Easy Halloween Safety Tips for Parents to Remember: Rockland Health Department

An easy acronym can help even the busiest parent provide a safe Halloween for their kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest you and your children follow this one for a safe and fun Halloween:

S Swords, knives, and similar costume extras should be short, soft, and flexible.
A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups with a trusted adult.
F Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them, and limit the amount of treats you eat.


H Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
A Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
L Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible. Always walk, don't run, from house to house.
L Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
W Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to see clearly and prevent trips and falls.
E Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
E Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
N Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

If you are thinking about using face paint on your child, it is important to note that many of these products are imported, and may contain lead or other toxic chemicals. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not required to test face paints for children before they reach store shelves. For more information visit the FDA website at fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm143055.htm

For more information about Halloween safety, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/family/halloween/

"Halloween is one of the most enjoyable days of the year for the County's children, however parents and caregivers must be involved to make sure that Halloween is both fun and safe," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. "Trick-or-treaters need adult supervision, even if they travel in groups. Adults should check Halloween treats before children eat them, and make sure that children never eat open or unwrapped treats."