Administration for Children's Services311Search all NYC.gov websites

Halloween Safety

A person in a halloween costume with two children also dressed in halloween costumes in front of a staircase of a building


Tips

#1: Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen.

  • Give children a flashlight to light their way.
  • Have everyone wear light-colored clothing. Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags so kids are easier to see in the dark.
  • Use flame-resistant costumes.

#2: Children should never trick or treat alone.

  • Plan the trick-or-treat route in advance.
  • A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door in neighborhoods.

#3: Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.

  • Walk, don't run.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
  • Don't cross between parked cars.
  • Never walk through alleys or cut across yards. Only cross the street in designated crosswalks.
  • Adults should use extra caution if driving. Trick-or-treaters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.

#4: Accept treats at the door - never go inside.

  • It's not only vampires and monsters children have to look out for. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

#5: Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating.

  • Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
  • Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

#6: Leave the pumpkin carving to adults.

  • Small children should never carve pumpkins. Instead, let them draw a face with markers.
  • Use a flashlight or glowstick to light the pumpkin instead of a candle.