Halloween has finally arrived and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a list of tips on how to remain safe while trick-or-treating and taking part in other holiday festivities.

What You Need To Know

  • Trick or treaters should wear reflective material to be more visible for drivers

  • Drivers should be extra cautious of children, who can run out in traffic

  • Check the FDA website for a detailed list of approved makeup products before use

  • Be sure to check candy and other sweet treats before eating for any signs of tampering   

Safe Costumes

Because many Halloween festivities take place after sundown, trick-or-treaters are advised to wear bright and reflective costumes or add reflective tabs to appear visible to drivers.

The chances of a child being struck and killed by a car on Halloween is more than twice as likely, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Dr. Michael Mitchell, medical director of the pediatric emergency department at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Brenner Children’s Hospital, advised parents to make sure costumes are bright and visible for drivers.

“Sometimes kids can get so excited, they run out into the road without thinking or looking for cars,” Mitchell said in a release.

The release also advises parents to make sure costumes are not blocking their child’s eyes. Instead, the FDA suggests wearing makeup, so that everyone can see and watch out for traffic.

A full list of approved color additives for cosmetic products is on the FDA’s website for products with new vibrant colors. The agency also suggests testing products before Halloween in case of any allergens.

Sweet Treats

Indulging in goodies is a Halloween tradition, but it is important to inspect all candy for any tampering before eating. The FDA advises against accepting any sweet treats that are not commercially prepackaged unless they are from someone who is known.

To avoid temptation to eat any trick-or-treat sweets before inspecting, the FDA suggest parents bring snacks from home for children to enjoy before inspecting candy.

Parents should also be mindful of anything that could be a potential choking hazard, such as hard candies, small toys, gum or peanuts.

“We know kids are excited on Halloween, and we want everyone to celebrate safely and avoid ending up in the emergency department,” Mitchell said.

Eye Safety

Colored and decorative contact lenses are popular around this time of year. Though they are not approved by the FDA, the agency says many retail stores sell them, despite being illegal.

The FDA and eye care medical professionals advise against using any non-prescribed contact lenses. The agency describes them as medical devices and warns that using contact lenses without a medical examination and prescription could cause serious eye disorders, infections and loss of sight.

Traffic Safety

AAA is also raising awareness of traffic safety during Halloween this year. The organization expects festivities to extend beyond Tuesday evening and encourages drivers and parents to be more patient and alert.

“Since Halloween falls on a Tuesday, it’s likely that festivities could start as early as the end of the week and continue through the weekend,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson of AAA-The Auto Club Group. “We’re urging drivers to keep an eye out for pedestrians all weekend long, slow down in neighborhoods, and avoid distractions and impairment behind the wheel to help keep everyone safe.”