Illustration by Lexi Ocampo

With Halloween around the corner, people around Lexington are preparing to celebrate the holiday with costumes, trick-or-treating and more.

To make sure the holiday remains a fun experience for everyone, it is vital that the importance of safety is not lost amid the excitement Halloween brings.

Pedestrian and traffic safety

One of the biggest topics to think about when celebrating Halloween is the dangers involved with traffic, according to Sgt. Bige Towery, a public information officer with the Lexington Police Department.

He suggested parents talk with their children before trick-or-treating about staying on sidewalks, only crossing the road at intersections, utilizing crosswalks, being aware of cars and not walking in between cars.

“That’s why the intersections are so important,” Towery said. “Because somebody, they get excited and they’re crossing a street in between cars, they don’t maybe see another car coming.”

Traffic safety is not only something for pedestrians to keep in mind, but also motorists, according to Towery, who said people should drive slowly, be alert and not drive distracted.

Emily Fay, a public information officer with Lexington Emergency Management, also suggested that motorists double check before making any turns, make sure their headlights are on and watch out for people.

“Just be super cautious, watch out for people and pets and animals, but know that they’re going to be there,” Fay said. “And if you’re aware that as a pedestrian, there will be cars and as a driver that there will be pedestrians, keep watch out for each other, and keep everybody safe.”

Costume safety

Costuming can also play a part in traffic safety by ensuring pedestrians are visible, according to Towery. He said glow sticks, reflective tape and flashlights are ways to both alert motorists, and ensure people can keep a look out for obstructions that may be in the way.

Costumes with masks are also something to consider, as Towery said masks with small eye holes may affect someone’s peripheral vision. 

“It’s going to impact what you’re seeing ahead of you, and certainly if you’re crossing a road or something like that,” Towery said.

If people have not made a decision on whether they will wear a mask with their costume, Towery suggested that they consider using makeup instead.

Fay shared the SCARE SAFE acronym for people to follow, which includes testing makeup before use and making sure costumes are well-fitting and flame resistant. The acronym also includes the following tips:

S: Stay in groups
C: Costumes should be well-fitting and flame resistant
A: Always test makeup
R: Remember to look both ways when crossing streets
E: Examine all treats before eating

S: Stay on sidewalks when possible
A: Avoid dark houses

F: Flashlights and glowsticks for visibility
E: Enjoy with caution

Candy safety

Part of the SCARE SAFE acronym includes examining all treats before eating them, which Fay said was so parents could check to see if candy was damaged, processed wrong or contained allergens.

Towery also suggested parents inspect candy before letting their children consume it to ensure candy has not been tampered with.

“And if you have any question or any concern about it, throw it away,” Towery said. “Don’t take a chance on something like that.”

Pet safety

People bringing their pets trick-or-treating should make sure their pets are comfortable throughout the night, according to Fay.

“Dogs can get scared in crowds with loud noises,” Fay said. “And if the doorbell is constantly ringing, you want to prevent your pet from running away.”

In case a pet does run away, Fay suggested people put a tag with identifying information on their animal.

Pet owners should also keep candy away from their animals, as well as watch out for their pets around decorations.

Have a plan

Before Halloween, Towery said people should have a plan in place for celebrations.

For trick-or-treating, Towery suggested parents have a talk with their children and set some guidelines for the night, including not going into anyone’s home or to houses that have their lights off.

“If there’s not a porch light on, don’t be ringing doorbells and knocking on doors, because typically people will leave their front porch light on if they’re participating,” Towery said.

For adults celebrating Halloween, Towery said they should plan ahead if they will be drinking alcohol and make sure they have a safe way home, whether it be having a designated driver or using a rideshare app.

“We want everybody to have a great night and have fun, and not have it be an impact on the rest of their life in any way,” Towery said.