With the autumn season here and Halloween approaching quickly there exist many trick or treaters lining up at their nearest candy hand-out spot in an urge to get their hands on some of their favorite treats. According to Census.gov, a government run population analytics website, in 2015 alone there were an expected 41.1 million trick or treaters between the ages of 5 to 17 years old during the holiday season. Because of the influx of interhousehold contact between families occurring during Halloween there are many potential hazards to arise. According to State Farm’s analytics and research team, Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year with children and teens twice as likely to be the victims of a fatal or dramatically debilitating injuries. But before you head out that door with your swanky costume and pillowcase there are many precautions you and your family can take on the 31^st of October to keep you safe during this spooky season.

1. Lighting

During the night of Halloween the most common injurious incident to occur is between motorist and pedestrians. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there occur 150-100 fatal pedestrian involved motorist accidents resulting from lack of pedestrian illumination. Because of this very imminent risk, ample lighting is a must as it not only allows you to see potential hazards but also makes your presence known to passing drivers.

Sufficient lighting could be these be these cheap and versatile reflectors found on Amazon.

2. Fire Outfit Check

Before putting on your vibrant wig and horror mask for your costume, the Food and Drug Administration states to check for a “flame resistant” label on all costume pieces. Because many households have openly lit candles, Jack O’ Lanterns, and high voltage lighting for Halloween, a flame resistant outfit can assure that you will walk away unscathed if a blaze were to occur. If your costume or outfit doesn’t state that it is “fire resistant”, make sure to stick to synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon as they’re less likely to burn in comparison to cotton.

3. Tricks in the Treats

With over 300 tons of candy being exchanged from over 41 million households, make sure to inspect all candy you take home. Before heading out, make sure you eat a snack to keep from nibbling on uninspected candy. Needles, rusty nails, glass, drugs, and most infamously razor blades have all been found in candy given to trick or treaters during the Halloween season. Besides tampering, Halloween goers should also check to make sure there aren’t any allergens within any of the candy they collect.