Don’t Be Scared… Be Prepared!

Tips to make Halloween fun and safe

Superheroes, princesses, and a variety of strange characters are about to invade your neighborhood. Halloween is this Monday but many communities have set trick-or-treat hours for this weekend. To help keep those ghosts and goblins safe, Wisconsin Emergency Management’s “ReadyWisconsin” campaign has some Halloween tips.

Trick or Treat Rules

• Children under the age of 12 should not trick-or-treat alone.
• Children over 12 should walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Make sure your child or a responsible adult with them carries a cell phone for quick communication.
• Only visit well-lit homes and never accept rides from strangers.

Be Seen

• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
• Fastening reflective tape to costumes and bags also helps drivers see you.

Safe Costumes

• Make sure costumes (including masks, beards and wigs) are flame resistant.
• Stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric.
• Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• Test make-up in small area and remove all make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• ​​​​​​​Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

Check Your Treats

• An adult should examine treats for choking hazards and tampering.
• Tell your child not to eat any treats until they return home.
• ​​​​​​​Avoid eating homemade treats made by a stranger.

Safety Tips For Motorists

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

For safety information all year, visit us at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.