October 27, 2026

Follow these simple steps as you enjoy Halloween

[TOPEKA, OCT. 26, 2026] — Halloween is almost here, and trick-or-treaters will soon be out in their neighborhoods for all the fun. The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas offers tips adults can follow to help keep the kids safe while enjoying the festivities.

• Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
  • Use face makeup instead of masks, which can make seeing difficult.
  • Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
  • Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
  • If possible, have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
• Choose flame-resistant costumes and stay away from long, trailing fabric.
• Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.
• Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Only visit homes with a porch light on. Accept treats at the door. Never go inside.
• Walk only on sidewalks, not in the street. If there are no sidewalks, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
  • Don’t cross between parked cars, and don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
• Drivers, use extra caution as youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.

A grown-up should check all goodies before eating. Many of the popular candies handed out on Halloween contain some of the most common food allergens, including milk, eggs, nuts, soy and wheat, which can trigger severe reactions in some kids.

Allergies aren’t the only reason to take a closer look inside the trick-or-treat bag. Candy can also present a choking hazard, particularly for young children, as they are still developing skills to chew and swallow properly. Parents of kids under 5 years old should toss hard, gooey or sticky candies from the trick-or-treat bag to lower the risk of choking. Gummy bears and chewing gum are also risky.

If a child is choking, call 911 and:

• Give five back blows by bending them forward and striking them between the shoulder blades.
• Give five abdominal thrusts with your fist above their belly button, covered by your other hand, pulling inward and upward.
• Repeat these steps until they can cough, speak or cry.
• If they become unresponsive, start CPR.

If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:

• Light the area well so young visitors can see.
• Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps.
• Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

Consider downloading the free Red Cross First Aid app before you go trick-or-treating. It puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips.

“From sprains to choking, there are some scary things that can happen around Halloween. Having the First Aid app on your phone makes finding what to do simple and can help keep your family safe,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas.

Get the First Aid app by going to redcross.org/apps, find it in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, or text "GETFIRST" to 90999.