BSA Sends You Warm Halloween Wishes for Safety and Enjoyment

**BSA Hopes You Have a Joyous and Secure Halloween**

Halloween is quickly approaching! With decorations being set up, costumes being chosen, and trick-or-treating plans underway, the anticipation for this eerie celebration is building. However, in the midst of the fun and celebrations, it’s essential to keep safety at the forefront.

At the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), we emphasize the importance of preparedness and safety, which includes Halloween! We want you and your family to have a wonderfully spooky experience, but we also urge everyone to adhere to crucial safety practices. To help make Halloween both fun and safe, we’ve compiled some helpful advice for families, Scouts, and volunteers.

### Costume Precautions

One of the most thrilling aspects of Halloween is the opportunity to dress up; however, costumes can bring certain risks if caution isn’t exercised. Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing and wearing costumes:

1. **Optimize visibility**: While masks can be entertaining, they can hinder sight. Think about using face paint instead or ensure any mask or headpiece allows a clear view. If masks are used, they should fit well and have large, visible openings for the eyes.

2. **Incorporate reflective elements**: Adding reflective features to costumes or incorporating glow sticks into outfits and trick-or-treat bags is a smart way to boost visibility in low light. Halloween is thrilling, but dark costumes in dim lighting can make it challenging for drivers to see trick-or-treaters.

3. **Minimize trip hazards**: While robes, capes, and lengthy dresses might be stylish, they can lead to tripping, especially in the dark. Select costumes that fit properly and don’t trail on the ground.

4. **Select fire-resistant materials**: Certain costumes and accessories are made from ignitable materials, posing a risk around candles or flames (like those on porches). Always check labels to confirm that costumes are made of flame-resistant fabrics, and avoid decorations with open flames.

### Trick-or-Treating Guidelines

For many children, trick-or-treating is the highlight of Halloween. Accumulating a bucket full of candy is delightful, but ensuring safety is vital during this activity.

1. **Go in groups**: Trick-or-treating is always more secure when done collectively. Whether children are with family or friends, at least one responsible adult should be supervising younger children. Older Scouts might be allowed to trick-or-treat independently, but they should stay in groups and choose well-lit paths.

2. **Inspect treats**: Before letting kids indulge in their bounty, check the candy to ensure all packaging is intact and hasn’t been tampered with. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious items.

3. **Maintain visibility**: Carry a flashlight, wear light-up accessories, and stick to sidewalks when possible. If crossing the street is necessary, use crosswalks and look both ways to confirm it’s safe.

4. **Prepare a route**: If you’re accompanying children, outline a path that remains in well-lit, familiar neighborhoods. It’s wise to identify some “safe stops” — the homes of friends or family members — along the route. If older Scouts are going out on their own, ensure they have a clear plan and a schedule to check in at home.

5. **Be considerate of others’ space**: Not every household participates in Halloween. If lights are off, or there’s a “No Trick-or-Treaters” sign, it’s essential to respect their preferences.

### Home Safety for Trick-or-Treaters

If you’re planning to welcome trick-or-treaters at your home, take some precautions to ensure the experience is secure for everyone:

1. **Keep walkways clear**: Ensure that the path to your door is free from obstacles that could create tripping hazards. Kids may not always be attentive, especially when eager to reach the next candy destination!

2. **Enhance lighting**: Proper lighting not only contributes to the spooky Halloween atmosphere but also allows trick-or-treaters to navigate safely. If using decorations with lit candles, consider using LED tea lights or battery-operated alternatives to minimize fire risks.

3. **Secure pets**: Not every pet is friendly towards the frequent ringing of the doorbell or unusual costumes. Make sure your pets are safely contained to prevent any incidents.

4. **Offer safe treats**: If you’re distributing candy, keep in mind that some children have allergies. Chocolate and peanut allergies are common, so consider offering non-food treats or candy free from typical allergens, or choose items marked with the teal pumpkin sign to indicate that your home is allergy-conscious.

### Scout and Community Initiatives

While customary trick-or-treating activities continue…