Halloween Safety Tips
At Ryan, Miller & Coburn, we believe that community safety is everyone’s responsibility, and a few simple precautions can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable night for everyone. Whether you’re out trick-or-treating, driving, or greeting visitors at your door, these steps can help make Halloween night safe for all.
1. Keep Trick-or-Treaters Visible
Visibility is one of the most important aspects of Halloween safety. Costumes should be bright or include reflective materials, and children should carry flashlights or glow sticks to help them be seen by drivers. Families can plan their routes ahead of time, sticking to well-lit neighborhoods and sidewalks whenever possible. Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult or responsible older sibling to ensure everyone stays together and safe.
2. Cross Streets Carefully
It’s easy for kids to get caught up in the excitement of running from house to house, but crossing streets safely is crucial. Always use crosswalks or corners, and remind children to look both ways before stepping into the street. Even in familiar neighborhoods, it’s important to stay alert and assume that not all drivers will see you right away.
3. Drive with Extra Caution
Drivers play a critical role in keeping Halloween safe. With so many children walking in unfamiliar neighborhoods, often in dark costumes, visibility can be limited. Reduce your speed, stay off your phone, and be extra cautious around driveways, intersections, and residential streets. Turning headlights on earlier in the evening can improve visibility and give drivers more time to react to unexpected movements.
4. Check Candy Before Eating
Once the candy haul is home, parents should take a few minutes to inspect all treats before kids dig in. Throw out anything that isn’t factory-sealed, appears tampered with, or seems suspicious. It’s a simple precaution that ensures your night ends on a sweet note, safely.
5. Make Homes Safe for Visitors
Homeowners can also help create a safer environment. Keep walkways well-lit and free of tripping hazards like cords, decorations, or uneven steps. Secure pets that might become anxious or startled by costumed visitors. If your household isn’t participating in trick-or-treating, turning off your porch light is a polite and clear signal that lets trick-or-treaters know to skip your home.
Keeping Missoula Safe This Halloween
Halloween should be remembered for laughter, costumes, and community, not for accidents or preventable injuries. By taking a few simple steps, we can all help ensure that this holiday remains a fun and safe celebration for everyone in Missoula.
From all of us at Ryan, Miller & Coburn, we wish you and your family a safe and happy Halloween!
