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October is here, and with it comes the excitement of pumpkins, costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating. But with the fun also comes some extra safety concerns. Since October is recognized as Halloween Safety Month, it’s the perfect time to share a few reminders to help our students, families, and school communities enjoy a safe and spooky celebration.
1. Costume & Visibility
Choose costumes made of flame-resistant materials.
Make sure costumes fit well and are not so long that they trip the wearer and not so large that vision is impaired.
Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights so trick-or-treaters are more visible to drivers.
Consider face paint instead of a mask, which can limit vision.
2. Route Planning & Supervision
Younger children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
Older kids should pick a familiar route, stay in groups, and let someone know where they’re going and when they’ll be back.
Stick to well-lit streets and sidewalks; avoid unfamiliar areas or crossing multiple busy roads.
3. Candy Safety & Health
Inspect treats when you get home: avoid unwrapped, torn, or suspicious-looking items.
Be mindful of food allergies or dietary restrictions among your children or friends.
Encourage children to wait until they’re home to start eating candy (and brush their teeth!).
4. Driver & Neighborhood Awareness
If you’re driving on Halloween night, be extra cautious: kids may dart out from between parked cars, roads will be busy, and visibility reduced.
If you’re handing out candy, ensure your walkway and porch are well-lit and free of tripping hazards (cords, decorations, etc.).
5. Decoration & Fire Safety
Keep candles, jack-o'-lanterns, and other flame-based decorations away from fabrics and costumes.
Ensure exits and walkways are clear of decorations and cords so trick-or-treaters and visitors can move safely.
As part of the OCCS family, we encourage our school communities to share safety tips with students and families, host costume parade or trick-or-treat route discussions, and approach this Halloween season with both fun and caution.
Let’s work together to ensure that this year’s spooky season remains joyful and safe for everyone. Wishing all our students, families, staff, and neighbors a happy (and safe!) Halloween.