Halloween is a fun time for children and adults to get creative with costumes and enjoy time with family and friends. As neighborhoods fill with trick-or-treaters, Safe Kids Columbus and Piedmont encourage everyone to prioritize safety to help prevent accidents and injuries.

“Planning ahead can help make Halloween both fun and safe,” said Safe Kids Columbus Director Pam Fair. “Choose costumes that fit properly and don’t drag on the ground, as loose or overly long costumes can create a tripping hazard. It’s also important to make sure children can see clearly if they’re wearing a mask or costume headpiece.”

Fair encourages families to review basic safety rules before heading out for the evening.

“When trick-or-treating, children should never cross streets unsupervised,” Fair said. “Consider adding reflective tape or glow accessories to costumes and treat bags to improve visibility. Drivers should slow down, remain alert and watch carefully for children near roadways, intersections and driveways.”

Parents and caregivers should inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.

“Throw away any candy or treats that appear opened, damaged or tampered with,” said Dana Gilbert, M.D., with Piedmont Physicians Pediatrics at Midtown Columbus. “Families managing food allergies should carefully read ingredient labels and avoid foods with unknown ingredients.”

Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Older children and teenagers who are trick-or-treating independently should travel in groups, stay in familiar areas and check in regularly with a parent or guardian.

“A great alternative to the traditional trick-or-treating in neighborhoods is to attend trunk-or-treat events, Dr. Gilbert adds. “These are usually hosted by civic groups, churches or government agencies and provide a safer, enclosed space for children and families.”

Safe Kids Columbus also recommends these Halloween safety tips:

Costume Safety

• Consider using non-toxic face paint instead of masks to improve visibility.
• Choose costumes labeled flame-resistant.
• Add reflective tape, glow sticks or other light-up accessories.
• Ensure costume accessories have soft or dull edges.
• Only wear decorative contact lenses approved by an eye care professional.

Driver Safety

• Drive slowly and remain alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Use extra caution near intersections, crosswalks and driveways.
• Watch for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.

Home Safety

• Remove tripping hazards from walkways, porches and yards.
• Keep pets indoors while trick-or-treaters are visiting.
• Use battery-operated candles instead of open flames.
• Turn on exterior lights and keep walkways well lit.

Minor cuts, falls, sprains and other non-life-threatening injuries may be treated at a nearby Piedmont Urgent Care location. For serious injuries or medical emergencies, call 911 or visit the Piedmont Columbus Regional Pediatric Emergency Department immediately.