Oklahoma State University Extension Offers Halloween Safety Tips

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

October 7, 2021

Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

When children dress up as their favorite superhero, princess or goblin, they likely have one thing on their mind: trick-or-treating and filling their candy container to the brim.

But parents know there’s more to celebrating the holiday than choosing a costume and ringing neighborhood doorbells. Taking precautions ensures Halloween is both fun and safe, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist and interim associate dean.

“The costume is the main attraction at Halloween. Whether children choose to be a ghost, a superhero or another favorite character, making sure the costume is safe is essential,” Peek said.

Costume safety tips include:

Before parents or older siblings take children to trick-or-treat, talk to them about safety rules, said Laura Hubbs-Tait, OSU Extension parenting specialist.

“It’s important children understand that while Halloween is fun and exciting, it’s also a time to be especially cautious,” Hubbs-Tait said. “Children are often in a hurry when they’re excited to get from one house to another, so it’s vital to instill the importance of safety rules, especially as it begins to get dark.”

Other general safety tips include:

“We discuss all the safety rules for children who are trick-or-treating, but there also are guidelines parents need to keep in mind for themselves,” Hubbs-Tait said. “The most common type of accident on Halloween is pedestrian injury.”

Tips for parents:

“Halloween is such a fun time for children and parents. Following these tips will help ensure everyone stays safe,” said Hubbs-Tait.

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.