🎃 Spooky Season Safety: The Do’s and Don’ts of Trick-or-Treating & Costumes 👻

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year — costumes, candy, and community fun! Before you head out for trick-or-treating, make sure your evening is as safe as it is spooky. From picking the perfect costume to collecting treats, here are the Halloween do’s and don’ts for a fun and fright-free night!

🍬 Trick-or-Treating Do’s

🕯️ Plan your route ahead of time.
Stick to familiar neighborhoods and well-lit streets, and make sure everyone knows the plan before heading out.

🦺 Be visible.
Add reflective tape to costumes or carry glow sticks and flashlights so drivers can see you.

🚸 Use sidewalks and crosswalks.
Always walk—don’t run—between houses, and look both ways before crossing the street.

🍭 Check your candy.
Inspect all treats at home and throw away anything unwrapped or that looks suspicious.

👨‍👩‍👧 Go as a group.
Trick-or-treating is always safer (and more fun!) with family or friends.

👻 Trick-or-Treating Don’ts

🚪 Don’t approach dark houses.
Only visit homes with porch lights on — that’s the universal sign they’re handing out candy.

🔥 Don’t forget fire safety.
Stay away from open flames and use battery-powered candles for decorations.

🐾 Don’t disturb pets or decorations.
Be respectful of neighbors’ property and spooky setups!

💻 Don’t post your location in real time.
If you’re sharing photos, wait until you’re home to post to keep your family safe.

🎭 Costume Do’s

✨ Make safety part of your style.
Use reflective or glow-in-the-dark materials so you can be seen after dark.

🧵 Keep it comfortable.
Choose costumes that fit well and allow easy movement — no tripping hazards!

🎨 Use face paint instead of masks.
Masks can block vision; non-toxic makeup is a safer (and often cooler) choice.

🌡️ Dress for the weather.
Layer up under costumes if it’s chilly outside.

🧙‍♀️ Keep it kind.
Avoid costumes that could be offensive or culturally insensitive — let’s celebrate with respect and inclusivity.

💀 Costume Don’ts

🔥 Don’t use real candles or open flames.
Some costume fabrics are flammable — stick to LED lights and battery-operated candles.

👠 Don’t wear unsafe shoes.
Opt for sneakers or flat shoes so you can walk safely all night long.

👑 Don’t block your vision or hearing.
Avoid oversized masks, hats, or accessories that could make it hard to see or hear traffic.

📸 Don’t forget ID tags for little ones.
If your child is young, tuck a small note with contact info inside their costume pocket.

Have a boo-tiful, safe, and fun Halloween from all of us at the YMCA! 🧡👻