Haunted Bay's Guide
to Halloween Safety

BEFORE HALLOWEEN

FUN ALTERNATIVES

BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING

BEFORE THE ADULT'S PARTY

DURING THE ADULT'S PARTY

• Check the Haunted Bay Events section for fun alternatives and special events!
• Community Centers, shopping malls, and houses of worship often have organized festivities.
• Share fun by arranging a visit to a retirement home, senior center, or veteran's home.
• Create an alliance with college fraternities, sororities, or service clubs for children's face painting or a carnival.

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects.
• Always keep Jack O' Lanterns away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children will be standing or walking.
• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
• Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should carry coins and/or a cell phone for emergency phone calls.
• Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Remind Trick-or-Treaters:
  • By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Only go to homes with porch lights on.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
  • Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
  • Always walk. Never run across a street.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom) or at a street corner or intersection.
  • Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway, or alley.
  • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
  • Never consume food items or drinks that may be offered.
  • No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
  • Be cautious of and treat with respect all animals you may come across. Halloween is a stressful time for pets and animals that appear friendly may become scared.
  • Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is extremely rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items.
• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given to those of an appropriate age.

• Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver
• Invite guests who are compatible so that no one feels left out of the crowd. Lonely or unfriendly people often drink to excess.
• Plan lots of group activities, like party games.
• Prepare plenty of foods so guests will not drink on empty stomachs.
• Avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for the designated driver and others. See the drink section under recipes for recipe ideas.
• If preparing an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base like fruit juice. Alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream faster with a carbonated base.
• Be honest when inviting guests who are known to drink to excess. Tell them that drinking and driving is unacceptable at your party. Get their agreement to find alternate modes of transportation.

• Never serve alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age and never ask children to serve alcohol at parties.
• Don't let guests mix their own drinks. Choosing a reliable "bartender" will help you keep track of the size and number of drinks that guests consume.
• Do not push drinks. Drinking at a party is not mandatory for having a good time.
• Close the "bar" 90 minutes before the party ends and serve a great dessert treat with coffee. Remember, only time sobers someone who has been drinking.
• If despite your efforts, some of your guests have had too much to drink, drive them home, arrange for a ride with another guest who is sober, call a taxi, or invite them to stay over.
• Remember, if you allow people to leave your party intoxicated and they get into an accident or injure someone, YOU may be held accountable.