Why did the ghost stay home on Halloween night?
Because he didn’t have enough “spirit” for safety!

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for families across our community. With a little preparation, you can make sure the night stays full of fun and fright—without any real scares.

Plan a Safe Costume

A great costume shouldn’t come with hazards. Choose outfits that fit properly to prevent trips and falls, and add reflective tape or stickers to costumes and treat bags to make trick-or-treaters more visible after dark. Skip full-face masks that block vision and use non-toxic face paint or makeup instead. And remember—if your costume trails behind you, it might just be a real drag (and a tripping hazard).

Trick-or-Treat the Smart Way

Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should travel in groups and stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods. Carry flashlights or glow sticks, put phones away, and always cross streets at corners or crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again before crossing, and never dart out between parked cars or across the street unexpectedly.

Attention Drivers

Drivers, please slow down and stay alert between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.—prime trick-or-treating hours. Excited children can move unpredictably, so take your time approaching intersections and driveways. Avoid distractions like phones, music, or food while driving, and remember—slowing down a little can save a lot.

Why don’t skeletons ever go trick-or-treating alone?
Because they don’t have the guts!

Keep Fire Hazards Out of the Fun

Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles instead of open flames in pumpkins and decorations. Keep paper, fabric, and cornstalks away from heaters, bulbs, and candles. Before the festivities begin, test smoke alarms and review your family’s fire escape plan.

Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends

Pets can easily become frightened or stressed on Halloween. Keep dogs and cats indoors, away from the door during trick-or-treating hours, a

nd make sure they have updated ID tags just in case they slip out. Chocolate, xylitol, and many candies are toxic to animals—store all treats well out of reach.

If you’re using pet costumes, make sure they fit comfortably, don’t restrict movement or breathing, and don’t include small parts that could be chewed or swallowed.

Stop by the Fire Station!

We love seeing our community in costume! On Halloween night, stop by your local Woodside Fire Station to show off your costumes and pick up some candy. Our firefighters will be ready to greet trick-or-treaters, hand out treats, and remind everyone how to keep the night fire-safe.

Quick Safety Reminders

• Store cleaning products and hand sanitizers safely out of children’s reach.

• Save the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) in your phone.

• Walk, don’t run, between homes and stay visible to drivers.

• Keep pets secured and away from the front door.

Let’s keep the scares fun, the costumes creative, and the night safe for all.
Woodside Fire Protection District – Working Together for a Safer Community.