Sacramento, California - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is reminding everyone that small and simple steps can help everyone stay safe during Halloween.

“Halloween is filled with fun and fright, but it doesn’t have to be scary when it comes to health and safety,” said Dr. Smith. “There are several things that parents and children can do to stay safe during their activities.”

Recommendations to help keep California’s trick-or-treaters safe include:
• Buying costumes that are labeled flame resistant. In addition, appropriately sized costumes reduce tripping hazards.
• Using non-toxic face paint and makeup rather than masks, as to reduce potential blind spots.
• Not using Decorative Contact Lenses unless an eye care professional has been consulted.
• Decorating costumes and bags with reflective tape or sticker, and have trick-or-treaters use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• Walking in groups and with a trusted adult(s), using crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible.
• Walking – not running – from house to house and trick-or-treating near well-lit homes.
• Driving slow and being especially alert in residential neighborhoods. In addition, drivers should turn their headlights on earlier in the day to help see and be seen.

Trick-or-treaters should wait until they get home before eating candy so candy can be inspected for proper wrapping and ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.

The day after Halloween (November 1) also marks the end of Daylight Saving Time, providing a good opportunity to check the batteries in smoke detectors.

Additional Halloween safety tips can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.