Community Corner

American Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for Halloween

Halloween is Wednesday, Oct. 31.

As local kids get ready to collect their Halloween treats on Wednesday, the American Red Cross has tips to make this a fun and safe Halloween.

“Halloween is a fun time, especially for the little ones,” said Tracy Peacock, Chapter Executive, Mount Rainier Chapter. “The Red Cross has steps everyone can take to make sure their Halloween is also a safe one.”

COSTUME SAFETY There are steps parents can take to keep their little ghosts and goblins safe in their disguises:

Find out what's happening in Gig Harborwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
  • Use flame-resistant costumes.
  • Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover their eyes and make it hard to see. 

BE SAFE WHILE OUT AND ABOUT To maximize safety for the trick or treaters, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood.

Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:

Find out what's happening in Gig Harborwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
  • Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
  • Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
  • Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
  • Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

GREETING TRICK OR TREATERS For those who expect to welcome trick-or-treaters at their door, they can make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

  • Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
  • Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
  • Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
  • Restrain pets.
  • Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.

Information provided by the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Gig Harbor