City of Dublin Beggar's Night

Halloween Safety Tips for Kids:

• Trick-or-treat in a group or with an adult.
• Walk, don’t run, and stay on sidewalks.
• Look both ways before crossing streets and only cross the street at corners.
• Wear reflective clothing.
• Be sure your costume is not too long. You don’t want to trip or fall.
• Shoes should fit comfortably (even if they don’t match your costume).
• Carry only flexible swords, knives and props.
• Consider using “face paint” instead of a mask. If you wear a mask, be sure you can see out of it clearly.
• Be sure your parents always know where you are going to trick-or-treat and stay in familiar neighborhoods.
• Do not ride a bicycle. Your costume might get tangled in the wheels.
• Keep away from candles and open fires.
• Accept treats only in doorways. Never go into a house.
• Visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Be cautious of animals.
• Let parents check your treats before you eat them.
• Never eat unwrapped candy, opened candy or fruit given to you on Halloween.

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents:

• Make sure your child eats dinner before setting out.
• Children should always carry spare change or a cell phone to call home, if necessary.
• When buying costumes, look for flame retardant material.

Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners:

• Keep your yard well-lit if you plan to pass out treats. Turn your lights off if you won’t be home to discourage children from approaching your property.
• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip young children.
• Battery-powered jack-o’lantern candles are preferable to using a real flame.
• If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won’t be blown into a flaming candle.
• Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of crackers with cheese or peanut butter, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins or microwave popcorn.
• For non-food treats try pencils, stickers, coins or plastic toys.

Halloween Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Drive slow, with caution, all evening.
• Adult Halloween party goers should have a designated driver.