Halloween is a night of costumes, candy, and fun—but it also brings hidden risks that parents, guardians, and caregivers should be ready for. While your children enjoy the excitement of trick-or-treating, taking a few safety steps and knowing what to do in emergencies can make all the difference.
1. Plan the Night with Safety in Mind
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Map a safe, well-lit trick-or-treat route ahead of time; stick with familiar neighborhoods.
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Always walk on sidewalks. If there are none, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
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Cross streets at crosswalks or corners—look left, right, then left again before crossing.
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Teach kids to walk, not run, stay in groups, and avoid darting into driveways or between parked cars.
2. Costume Safety: See & Be Seen
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Choose costumes made of flame-resistant fabrics and avoid long trailing pieces.
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Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or LED lights so drivers can see trick-or-treaters at night.
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Opt for face paint instead of masks to avoid obstructing vision.
3. Candy & Choking Hazards
Candy is the heart of Halloween—but for younger children, certain treats are dangerous. Round, hard, or sticky candies and gum can become choking hazards.
If choking occurs:
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For children over 1 year: use abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the airway is cleared.
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For infants under 1: alternate back blows and chest thrusts repeatedly.
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If the child becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing, begin CPR (30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths) and call 911.
4. Burns, Cuts & Fire Risks
Open flames, jack-o’-lanterns, and candles are classic Halloween elements—but they pose risks when combined with costumes or decorations.
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If clothing catches fire: use the Stop, Drop & Roll method.
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For burns: run cool (not icy) water over the area for at least 10 minutes, cover it with a clean cloth, and don’t use creams, butter, or ice.
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For cuts: apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding, clean the wound, and cover with a clean bandage.
5. Allergic Reactions & Hidden Dangers
Many treats contain nuts, dairy, or other allergens. Children allergic to certain foods can suffer mild reactions—itchiness, rashes—or severe anaphylaxis, which includes difficulty breathing, swelling, and sudden collapse.
If anaphylaxis is suspected:
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Use an EpiPen if prescribed, lay the child flat with raised legs (unless vomiting), and call 911 immediately—even if symptoms improve.
6. When Things Go Wrong: Stay Calm & Act Fast
Emergency action plan:
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Stay calm and assess the situation. Determine whether it’s choking, bleeding, burns, allergic reaction, or fainting.
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Call emergency services (911) immediately if it’s a serious situation.
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Provide first aid:
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For choking: follow methods above
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For unresponsiveness: start CPR
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For burns or bleeding: apply cool water or pressure
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For allergic reactions: use EpiPen, call 911
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Reassure and comfort the child while help arrives. Speak calmly, tell them help is on the way.
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When responders arrive, provide them with details—what happened, how long it’s been, what treatments you gave.
7. Practice & Preparation Before the Big Night
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Go over safety rules with your children: 911, their address, your phone number.
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Role play common situations: walking safely, asking for help, what to do if someone is hurt.
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Take a CPR or first aid class (ideally one that includes child/infant care).
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Pack a mini first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and a CPR face shield.
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Check costumes, props, and candy before the night begins.
Why Halloween Safety and CPR Training Go Hand in Hand
Because emergencies don’t care about the calendar. Whether it’s a candy-related choking event, a fall, or a severe allergic reaction, having the skills and confidence to respond can save a life. At One Love CPR, we teach CPR, BLS, and first aid with real-world scenarios—because you deserve training that is effective when it counts.
Want to be fully prepared this Halloween (and beyond)? Enroll today in a CPR & First Aid class with One Love CPR. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or simply someone who wants to be ready, our hands-on training gives you the tools to act. Click here to sign up ➤ OneLoveCPR.com
Stay safe, stay prepared—and enjoy the fun of Halloween with peace of mind.
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