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As Halloween and Fall festivities get closer, kids get excited about the fun events ahead. However, with COVID-19 and the pandemic, we may have to approach the holidays in a different way than the previous year. Below are some simple steps for a safe Fall season. Whether you are a resident of your community or part of a homeowner’s association, the following tips may be helpful for you and your neighbors or can be shared with your residents. 

Halloween Safety Tips**:

Get ready for trick-or-treaters!

• Make individual goodie bags – filled with fun-size candy – to hand out.
• Create and post signs in your yard encouraging trick-or-treaters to stay 6 feet apart.
• Talk with your neighbors about socially distanced options, such as decorating tables and placing them at the end of driveways so kids can grab candy themselves. 
• If trick-or-treating is not an option where you live, plan a socially distant costume parade for the kids to partake in and parents to watch.

Heading out?

• Carry a trick-or-treating care pack with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and extra face masks. Use the sanitizer after picking a piece of candy, and help little ones clean their hands throughout the night.
• Remember: Costume masks are not a safe substitute for a face mask. And do “mask checks”: Stop in a safe place and make sure everyone’s masks are covering their mouths and noses.
• Keep a 6-foot distance from other groups of trick-or-treaters. If another group is at a door, wait until they’re finished before you approach.
• Respect the latest guidelines – such as trick-or-treating hours – provided by your local health and safety officials.

When you’re done

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds when you get home.
• Let the candy sit for 24 hours, or sanitize the wrappers, before eating.
• Throw out any candy that’s open or has torn packaging, an unusual appearance, or pinholes. Toss any homemade items made by people you don’t know. Follow the rule: When in doubt, throw it out.

Staying home to hand out treats?

• Find ways to keep trick-or-treating hands free. Here’s an idea: Place wrapped treats on your lawn or driveway – spread out on a table – so trick-or-treaters don’t have to crowd around your front door, touch handrails, or knock.
• Wear a face mask any time you’re outside and use hand sanitizer often. If you can, keep a large bottle of sanitizer nearby for trick-or-treaters to use.
• By using caution – and a little creativity – you can make this year’s holiday safe and fun. 
• Try decorating your protective facemask with a fun, or scary face!

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