October 2021

Be Safe on Halloween

Halloween is a night filled with costumes and candy. It’s also a night filled with potential dangers for both trick-or-treaters and drivers. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), children are four times more likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween night than any other time of the year. Children are also more prone to cuts and burns per the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit medical center focused on education and research. Below are some tips presented by AAA and the Mayo Clinic to help your ghosts and goblins enjoy a safe and spooky Halloween.

Motorists

• Watch for children walking on roadways, curbs and medians
• Look for children crossing the street – especially outside of a crosswalk
• Drive slow through residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals

Carve with Care

• Allow adults to carve the pumpkins for younger children
• Consider decorating pumpkins with markers, paint or stickers
• Supervise older children carving pumpkins with knives or other carving tools
• Use flameless candles or glow sticks instead of candles to avoid burns and fires

Be Costume Savvy

• Choose bright colors and flame retardant materials
• Don’t use masks as they may obstruct children’s vision
• Place reflective tape on costumes for extra visibility
• Limit the amount of accessories and do not use pointed props

Trick-or-Treat Safely

• Always go with a group and don’t wander off alone
• Never enter strangers’ homes or garages
• For older children, have them plan and discuss their route and return time
• Stop only at well-lit homes
• Instruct children not to eat any candy until they get home

Click on the pumpkin below to explore pumpkin patches with
family-friendly activities around Southern California.