The Florida Department of Health recommends residents and visitors celebrate a healthy fall season. The following tips will help keep you and your family safe while participating in Halloween activities.

As Southwest Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, debris remains in certain areas. Debris can be dangerous, especially in the dark.

• Watch where you are walking. Debris can be a tripping hazard.
• Do not touch debris! Debris is hazardous and has been subjected to harmful bacteria.
• Debris piles may limit vision of pedestrians and drivers. Be extra cautious when walking or driving in impacted areas.

Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses, including influenza and COVID-19. There are several safe ways to celebrate Halloween. The safety tips below can help keep you and your family safe.

• Celebrate at home – watch spooky movies, carve pumpkins, host a virtual Halloween party.
• Avoid sharing food, cups, forks, spoons, knives, and serving utensils.
• If you are sick, stay home.

Trick-or-treating is a fun way to celebrate Halloween. Always be alert when trick-or-treating and provide adult supervision. Additionally:

• Walk safely. Cross the street at crosswalks or traffic signals. Always look both ways!
• Put electronic devices down. Keep your head up and your eyes on children at all times.
• Walk on the sidewalk or a path. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• If a child is mature enough to be without supervision, tell them to stay in familiar areas and trick-or-treat in groups.

Costumes are typically worn on Halloween and are fun for all ages. Make sure you are always visible, especially in the dark, by:
Wearing light colors and decorating costumes with reflective tape or stickers.

• Carry a flashlight or use glow sticks.
• Costume masks can obstruct vision. Choose face paint and make-up when possible.

• Make sure costumes are the right size and fit properly to avoid trips and falls.

Driving on Halloween can have risks, especially in residential areas.

• Slow down! Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for children in intersections, medians, and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways carefully and slowly.
• Avoid driving during popular trick-or-treating times.