It’s that magical time of year when pint-sized superheroes, spooky skeletons, and the occasional inflatable T-Rex take to the streets in pursuit of one thing: candy.

While Halloween should be full of treats, it doesn’t have to include any unwanted tricks—like trips to the ER or fire hazards. So, before you unleash your little monsters into the night, here’s a guide to keep things safe, silly, and just a little spooky.

🕯 Electrical & Decorating Safety: Shockingly Important

It’s great if your Halloween decorations attract trick or treaters, but you don’t want yours to require a visit from firefighters.

• Inspect before you connect. Check lights and cords for frays, cracks, or sketchy plugs.
• Use the right stuff. Outdoor-rated cords outdoors, UL-approved lights indoors. Easy.
• Don’t overload outlets. Power strips and surge protectors are your friends.
• Skip the candles. LED lights or glow sticks keep jack-o’-lanterns spooky without the fire hazard.
• No tripping. Try to avoid running extension cords across walkways. If you must, make sure to tape the cords down securely.
• Flammables beware. Keep hay bales, cornstalks, and paper far from heat sources.
• Unplug at night. Lights off, pumpkins out—let the neighborhood sleep without fear of fiery frights.
• No staples or nails. Avoid piercing light strands — damaged cords can spark trouble.
• Use GFCI outlets. They help prevent shocks. If your home doesn’t have them, use a plug-in adapter with built-in protection.

✅ Halloween Do’s & ❌ Don’ts

DO:

• Use LED lights—they’re safer, cooler, and energy-efficient.
• Clear your walkways. Nothing ruins Halloween like a broken ankle.
• Keep smoke alarms working. Spooky noises are fine, but real smoke is not.

DON’T:

• Use indoor-only gear outside. (Rain + electricity = bad horror movie ending.)
• Block escape routes with decorations. That giant inflatable spider might not be worth it.

🦇 When They’re on the Prowl: Street Smart Spooks

Here’s the scary truth: kids are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day. Here’s how to keep little ghouls and goblins safe:

• Adult supervision. Kids under 12 should have a grown-up escort. Older kids? Make sure they stick to familiar, well-lit streets with buddies.
• See and be seen. Add reflective tape, stickers, or glow sticks. If your kid looks like a mini rave attendee—that’s a win

• Drivers, slow down! Be especially careful from 5:30–9:30 p.m., prime trick-or-treating time. Also, expect the unexpected. Children may dart out like caffeinated squirrels. Stay alert at intersections, driveways, and curbs.

🚶 Walk Safely: Zombies Shuffle, Humans Look Both Ways

• Cross streets at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Look left, right, left again. (And maybe right once more, just to be sure.)
• Keep heads up, not buried in glowing screens. The only glowing thing should be your flashlight or glow stick.

🎃 Final Word

Halloween should be about giggles, costumes, and bags of candy so heavy you need a wheelbarrow to carry them. By following these safety tips, you can keep the scares fun and not frightening. So go ahead—light the pumpkins and treat yourself to a spooktacular Halloween!