As you and your families venture out for trick or treating or spooky activities, there are a few things that you can do to make sure you are safe while you are having fun. If you are a parent, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections advises you to have a conversation with your family and child about what to do if you get separated and go over these tips before you trick or treat. 

• A parent or trusted adult should always accompany children
• Stay on well-lit streets and stick to neighborhoods you know
• Only stop at homes where the porch light is on
• Never enter a home or car for a treat
• Trick-or-treaters should carry a cell phone to allow for quick communication
• If the child carries a cell phone, activate location services prior to trick-or-treating
• Call 911 if you see any suspicious or illegal activity
• Children should yell “No!” and run from any stranger who tries to take them somewhere
• Have a responsible adult check treats at the end of the night

In a similar fashion, the Wisconsin Department of Health also suggests some tips for families with trick or treaters and families who are giving out candy. 

Costume Tips

• Choose costumes that are light-colored and more visible to motorists.
• Use reflective tape to decorate costumes and candy bags to increase visibility of children to drivers. Reflective tape may be purchased at hardware, bicycle, or sporting goods stores.
• Use make-up rather than a mask; if your child’s costume does include a mask, make sure it fits snugly and that the eyeholes are large enough to allow full vision.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
• Costumes should be short enough that a child will not trip and fall.
• Choose costume accessories such as swords or knives that are made of soft and flexible material.
• Do not use novelty contacts such as “cat eyes” or “snake eyes.” 

Pedestrian Safety

• Engage in Halloween activities during the daylight hours, if possible.
• Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
• Remind children to walk, not run, and to only cross streets at crosswalks.
• Be sure your children are accompanied by a responsible adult who has a flashlight. Flashlights or chemical light sticks should be used so that children can see and be seen by motorists.

Halloween Home Safety

• Remove obstacles from your lawn, porch, or steps if you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure your front porch is well-lit.
• Avoid using candle-lit jack-o-lanterns if possible. If you do use candles, don’t place them near curtains, furnishings, or decorations. Move them off porches where children’s costumes may ignite.
• Keep your pets in another room when you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
• Small children should not carve pumpkins; instead, allow them to draw the designs on the pumpkin and adults may carve.
• Turn on an outside light if welcoming trick-or-treaters.