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CDC Features

Keep Safe and Healthy This Halloween Season

Photo: Jack-o-lanterns
Plan safe costumes, offer healthy treats, keep active, and assure safe trick-or-treating.

The leaves are turning, days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting cooler: it’s time for fall festivities like trick-or-treating for kids and Halloween celebrations for adults! Here are tips to help you and your family members safely enjoy holiday activities.

Plan Safe Costumes
Make sure masks fit the head so your child can see clearly. If your child wears facepaint or make-up, test a small area of the skin before applying. Help children select costumes that are soft and fit well so they can move around safely.

Offer Healthy Treats
Instead of candy, offer healthy snacks like raisins and trail mix or safe non-food treats. Inspect all treats before allowing them to be eaten. When in doubt, throw it out!

Ensure Safety on the Street
Decorate treat bags or sacks with reflective tape. Have each child carry a flashlight so drivers can see them. Keep porches and walkways clear of candles, decorations, and other possible obstacles. Teach children that they must not enter homes for treats. Be sure your child knows your home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 (or the local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Get Physical Activity
Use trick-or-treat time and other Halloween activities to get your daily dose of physical activity. Kids should get 60 minutes and adults should get 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most, preferably all, days of the week.

Follow these safety tips for a fun and safe Halloween!

Additional Resources


Page last reviewed: October 26, 2007
Page last updated: October 26, 2007
Content source: Office of Women’s Health
Content owner: National Center for Health Marketing
URL for this page: www.cdc.gov/Features/HalloweenSafety
Safer, Healthier People
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