Stay Safe this Halloween: Trick-or-Treating & Costume Tips

10/29/2025 by Ryley Youngs

Halloween is a time for fun, imagination, and maybe even a little fright — but safety should always come first.

Whether you’re planning to go trick-or-treating, attend a community event, or hand out candy at home, it’s important to keep health and safety top of mind. At North Country HealthCare, we’re here to help families across Northern Arizona have a safe and happy Halloween.

Here are our top Halloween safety tips for kids and families:

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

Always accompany young children. An adult should go with children under 12, and older kids should stick together and stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.
Stay visible. Use reflective tape on costumes or treat bags. Glow sticks or flashlights are also great ways to help kids be seen by drivers.
Stick to sidewalks. Cross the street at designated crosswalks, never in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
Avoid dark houses. Only visit homes with their porch lights on and never go inside a stranger’s home.

Candy Safety: Check Before You Snack

Wait to eat treats. Encourage kids to wait until they get home so you can check candy for any safety concerns or choking hazards.
Look for allergens. If your child has food allergies, double-check labels or stick to known allergy-safe options.
Avoid homemade treats. Unless they come from someone you know and trust, it’s best to avoid unwrapped or homemade items.

Costume Safety 101

Choose flame-resistant materials. Check tags on costumes and props.
Skip the masks when possible. Masks can obstruct vision; try face paint or makeup instead!
Watch for trip hazards. Make sure costumes fit well and don’t drag on the ground.
Keep it weather ready. In Northern Arizona, Halloween nights can get chilly — layer up as needed!

Driving on Halloween? Slow Down!

Be alert in neighborhoods. Children may cross streets unexpectedly.
Turn on your headlights early. Even before sunset to increase visibility.
Drive slowly and carefully. Especially between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (peak trick-or-treating hours).

Community Events = Safe Fun

If you’d rather skip door-to-door trick-or-treating, look for community Halloween events in Flagstaff or your local area. Many community organizations and businesses offer trunk-or-treats, costume parades, and family-friendly festivals!

Quick Safety Checklist

Costumes fit well & are weather-appropriate
Kids have flashlights or glow sticks
Candy is checked before eating
Streets are crossed at corners or crosswalks
Trick-or-treating only in well-lit areas
Drivers are alert and slow in neighborhoods

Categories: Blog

Recent News

Stay Healthy This Flu Season with North Country HealthCare

Every year, as the weather cools down and the kids head back to school, flu season makes its return. Influenza (commonly called “the flu”) is a contag …

Substance Abuse and Suicide Awareness

September is National Recovery Month, a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders and promoting recovery. It …

Back to School: Packing Healthy Lunches for Your Children

Once the school year starts, mornings can start to feel like a race against time. You have to get everyone dressed, fed, and out the door in less time …