Simple steps for an extra safe Halloween

The COVID-19 pandemic means Halloween may be a bit different this year. But you can still have fun! First and foremost, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to ensure your celebrations are safe. If trick-or-treating is allowed in your area, add these simple steps to your Halloween routine.

Get ready for trick-or-treaters!

• Here’s a great activity for the entire family: Make individual goodie bags – filled with fun-size candy – to hand out.
• Create and post signs in your yard encouraging trick-or-treaters to stay 6 feet apart.
  
• Talk with your neighbors about socially distanced options, such as decorating tables and placing them at the end of driveways so kids can grab candy themselves. And how about organizing a virtual costume parade?

Heading out?

• Carry a trick-or-treating care pack with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and extra face masks. Use the sanitizer after picking a piece of candy, and help little ones clean their hands throughout the night.
• Remember: Costume masks are not a safe substitute for a face mask. And do “mask checks”: Stop in a safe place and make sure everyone’s masks are covering their mouths and noses.
• Keep a 6-foot distance from other groups of trick-or-treaters. If another group is at a door, wait until they’re finished before you approach.
• Respect the latest guidelines – such as trick-or-treating hours – provided by your local health and safety officials.

When you’re done

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds when you get home.
• Let the candy sit for 24 hours, or sanitize the wrappers, before eating.
• Throw out any candy that’s open or has torn packaging, an unusual appearance or pinholes. Toss any homemade items made by people you don’t know. Follow the rule: When in doubt, throw it out.

Staying home to hand out treats?

• Find ways to keep trick-or-treating hands free. Here’s an idea: Place wrapped treats on your lawn or driveway – maybe in the shape of a pumpkin – so trick-or-treaters don’t have to crowd around your front door, touch handrails or knock.
• Wear a face mask any time you’re outside and use hand sanitizer often. If you can, keep a large bottle of sanitizer nearby for trick-or-treaters to use.

By using caution – and a little creativity – you can make this year’s holiday safe and fun for everyone!

Note: Although the information and recommendations contained in this article have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, the National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. This material may not be reproduced in any fashion without the National Safety Council’s permission.