Halloween & Costume Association Releases Trick or Treat Safety Tips

Halloween & Costume Association Releases
Trick or Treat Safety Tips

MT. LAUREL, NJ (Oct 30, 2023) As the highly anticipated celebration draws near, the Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) has conjured up the official safety guidelines for 2023 just in time. As the nation readies itself for the beloved holiday of Millennials and Gen Z, a whopping 73% of all Americans are set to partake in the festivities. And fret not, for the HCA has brewed up a few tips to ensure everyone's safety.

"Statistically speaking, parents often overlook some crucial opportunities to ensure the safety of their little trick or treaters. With Halloween spirits soaring high this week, we're urging everyone to weave safety into the very fabric of tomorrow’s festivities," declared Gregor Lawson, Chairman of the Halloween & Costume Association, and co-founder of MorphCostumes.

The HCA's safety spells are crafted to ward off accidents and mishaps on what is currently known as the deadliest night of the year. With more than 60% of all accidents occurring between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm, parents are encouraged to discuss Halloween safety AND accompany children while embarking on the candy quest. The HCA’s 10-point Safety List includes the following tips:

10: Lighten up. 63% of children don’t carry a flashlight while they’re trick or treating. Grab a clip-on light if they don’t want to carry one!

9: Tag along. 70% of parents don’t accompany their children trick or treating. You’re never too old to trick-or-treat! Grab a costume, enjoy some family bonding, and be sure to claim your treat tax!

8: Talk about it. 65% of parents don’t discuss Halloween safety with their children. Talk with your kids and offer ways to ensure a fun and safe experience.

7: Avoid flames. Halloween is a holiday with hidden and uncommon fire dangers. Avoid open flames, use battery operated lights instead!

6: Drive safe. Stay alert and slow down for our trick or treaters and costumed characters. Pay extra attention to kids crossing in the middle of the block.

5: Tighten up. Make sure your fit is just right! Avoid costumes that drag and oversized masks.

4: Walk safe. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween. Discuss safety, pre-plan a route, stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks.

3: Leash up. Keep your costumed critters on a leash or left safely inside. Tags and microchips can help avoid lost loved ones.

2: Stick Together. Halloween is way more fun with friends and fam! Go out in groups, there’s safety in numbers.

1: Shine, sparkle and glow. 82% of parents don’t use reflective tape or other high visibility aids on their child’s costume. Be sure to incorporate reflective tape, glow sticks, finger lights or light-up accessories.

The HCA is encouraging parents to stay involved in all the Halloween fun this year to ensure the safety of their family members. A shocking 12% of children 5 years old and younger are sent out to trick or treat alone. Statistically, the majority of all child fatalities on Halloween occur with children ages 12-15 (32%), followed by children ages 5-8 (23%). Tagging along with all trick or treaters, even from an embarrassment-free distance, if necessary, is recommended.

The HCA has countless costume connoisseurs available for interview. For tips, trends, & random reasons to sport a superhero suit, please reach out!

For Media Inquiries, Expert Commentary, or Product Samples, please contact Aneisha McMillan at amcmillan@hiaonline.org or 910.849.9003. 

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About the Halloween & Costume Association

Known as THE industry source for Halloween, with cumulative sales of $3 billion, the HCA has earned the title of “EXPERT” when it comes to all things costume related. These are the folks that live and breathe October all year long and can dish for days on the myths, legends, trends, traditions, safety tips and devilish details that only a true insider would know.