Keep the Magic, Skip the Mishaps: Halloween Safety Guide

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children — a night filled with costumes, candy, and imagination! But while the fun is what makes it so special, it’s also important to keep safety top of mind.

At the El Paso Center for Children, we’re dedicated to helping families create safe, happy memories together. Whether your little ones are dressing up as superheroes, witches, or dinosaurs, these tips will help make sure your Halloween night is full of treats — not tricks!

Costume Safety: Dress Smart for the Night

Before heading out for trick-or-treating, make sure your child’s costume is safe and comfortable:

Choose fire-resistant costumes, wigs, and accessories.
Add reflective tape or give your child glow sticks so they can be seen easily in the dark.
Use nontoxic face paint instead of masks—masks can block vision or become a choking hazard.
Test makeup on a small area first to avoid irritation, and always remove it before bedtime.

A few minutes of preparation can go a long way in keeping everyone safe and confident while they show off their spooky style!

Trick-or-Treating Safety: Plan Ahead and Stay Together

Halloween night is exciting, but it’s also when pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur. In fact, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Here are a few ways to help keep trick-or-treaters safe:

Go with them. Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Plan a route. For older kids trick-or-treating alone, review a route and agree on a time to return home.
Stay visible. Stick to familiar, well-lit areas and walk in groups.
Set boundaries. Remind kids never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
Wait for treats. Encourage children not to eat candy until they’re home and you’ve checked it — especially if allergies are a concern.

Safety for Drivers: Look Out for Little Monsters

Halloween means more children and families on the streets. If you’ll be behind the wheel, please take extra care:

Slow down and stay alert in residential areas.
Watch driveways and alleys—children can appear suddenly.
Be mindful of kids in dark costumes, especially after sunset.
Encourage new or inexperienced drivers to avoid driving during trick-or-treat hours.

For Pedestrians: Keep It Safe and Spooky

If your family plans to walk from house to house, remember:

Use a buddy system—no one should walk alone.
Cross at crosswalks or intersections, not in the middle of the street.
Follow all traffic signals and stay on sidewalks whenever possible.

Party Responsibly: Keep the Whole Community Safe

Halloween is for everyone — kids, teens, and adults alike. But if your evening includes parties or gatherings, please keep safety first. In 2023, nearly half of all Halloween-night crash fatalities were alcohol-related.

If you’re attending a party:

Choose a designated driver before drinking.
Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking — even one drink can impair judgment.

If you’re hosting:

Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
Offer non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of food.
Help guests get home safely — arrange a ride share, taxi, or place to stay.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Halloween

At the El Paso Center for Children, we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe, caring environment — and that includes special nights like Halloween. With a little planning, awareness, and teamwork, we can all help make this Halloween a night of fun, laughter, and lasting memories for families across El Paso.

Have a safe and happy Halloween! 🎃👻

Sources: National Safety Council, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kinship Quarterly