For many, Halloween is a special time of year, filled with spooky fun and tasty treats. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) wants to help everyone have a safe experience. These simple Halloween safety tips will help keep children and adults safe in Naples and across Collier County.
How do I know if my child’s Halloween candy is safe?
Sort through the candy bag before anyone digs in. Here’s what to look for:
- Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Never eat anything homemade from strangers.
- Examine all candy for choking hazards and tampering.
- Check for unpackaged items and suspicious packaging. While there is little evidence illicit drug producers are intentionally targeting children with candy-colored pills, always give the haul a careful look.
- Watch for cannabis products. Be aware of products containing THC, CBD, or other cannabis-related products that may resemble gummies or chocolate. While some of these products can be legally purchased by adults, they could be mistakenly eaten by children if not secured properly.
Remember: If in doubt, throw it out!
Wondering what to do with the rest of the stash? Here are ideas for leftover Halloween candy in Collier and Lee Counties. If your child has food allergies, learn how the Teal Pumpkin Project makes trick-or-treat safe for all kids.
What are the best Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treating in the neighborhood?
- Trick-or-treat in groups if possible.
- Bring a trusted adult. Never allow small children to visit a door without one.
- Teach children not to approach vehicles.
- Stick to well-lit homes. Only approach houses where porch or exterior lights are on.
- Skip the shortcuts. Avoid cutting through back yards, alleys, or parks.
What age can kids trick-or-treat without an adult?
Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to well-lit and familiar areas.
How can I help my kids be seen in the dark?
- Add reflective tape or stickers to costumes and treat bags and, if possible, choose light colors.
- Hand out glow sticks or flashlights so kids can see and be seen by drivers.
Still putting a costume together? Try these 11 ways to get your kid’s costume for less.
How do I stay safe at home while handing out candy?
- Keep your doors locked, even if you are just “out front” handing out candy, to prevent unwanted persons from entering your home.
- Report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Are there safer alternatives to neighborhood trick-or-treating?
Another way to keep trick-or-treaters safe is to attend public, organized events. Instead of visiting unfamiliar neighborhoods, consider Halloween festivities at malls, churches, or local businesses.
Find options near you in our guides to trunk-or-treat events in Collier and Lee Counties and fall festivals and Halloween events.
Year-round health services from DOH-Collier
Your local county health department supports the community all year. DOH-Collier provides services including pediatric dental services, disease screenings, birth certificates, and more. Learn more at Collier.FloridaHealth.gov, or read about free children’s dental screenings in Collier County.
These tips are shared by Florida health and law enforcement agencies. See the full Halloween safety tips from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Halloween candy is safe for kids to eat?
Eat only factory-wrapped treats and never eat anything homemade from strangers. Examine all candy for choking hazards, tampering, unpackaged items, and suspicious packaging. If in doubt, throw it out.
What age can kids trick-or-treat alone?
DOH-Collier advises that children under 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. Older kids who are mature enough to go without an adult should stick to well-lit and familiar areas.
Should parents worry about THC edibles in Halloween candy?
Be aware of THC, CBD, or other cannabis-related products that may resemble gummies or chocolate. Some can be legally purchased by adults, but children may mistakenly eat them if they aren’t secured properly.
How can I make my child more visible while trick-or-treating?
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers, choose light colors if possible, and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights so they can see and be seen by drivers.