Celebrate a fun and safe Spooky Season with these tips!
Halloween pulses with excitement—jack-o’-lantern glows, costume creativity, and community connection. But it also brings real risks: crowded sidewalks, low visibility, and sometimes even unsafe behavior. At United Studios of Self Defense we understand that self defense and personal safety start with awareness and choice.
This October, we invite students and families to blend celebration with safe practice by offering our top ten Halloween Safety Tips:
Whether you’re trick-or-treating or heading to a Halloween event, don’t go alone. Younger kids should always be with a trusted adult. Teens and older students should stay with friends and check in regularly. Safety in numbers is one of the most effective precautions for Halloween night.[4]
The National Safety Council reports that children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to other nights of the year.[1] Stick to sidewalks and main roads, and avoid dark shortcuts. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to improve visibility.
Costumes should allow for full visibility and mobility. Add reflective tape or wear bright colors, and opt for face paint over masks to prevent vision obstruction. Use flame-resistant materials whenever possible.
Keep your head up, stay alert, and avoid distractions like phones or headphones. Situational awareness is a foundational part of martial arts—and it’s just as useful off the mat. If something feels off, trust your instincts and move to safety.
Only visit homes with porch lights on, and never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle. Review "stranger danger" basics with kids, and encourage all students to stay in areas where help is easily accessible.[2]
Check all treats before eating. Discard anything that is unwrapped, homemade, or looks suspicious. As a best practice, stick to sealed, store-bought items from trusted sources.
Walk, don’t run. Cross only at intersections and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Bright costumes, reflective gear, and flashlights all help improve visibility, especially on dimly lit streets.[1]
Older students or teens attending parties should be prepared to manage peer pressure and know how to walk away from risky behavior. The University of Virginia recommends learning signs of alcohol poisoning and using peer-support protocols like “PUBS” (Puking, Unresponsive, Breathing, Skin color) to know when to intervene.
Phones should be fully charged before heading out. Parents and teens can use location-sharing apps and agree on check-in times to stay connected.
The best defense is awareness and prevention. Self defense is always a last resort. Carry yourself with confidence, scan your environment, and use your training to avoid unsafe situations before they escalate.
At USSD, we believe that safety isn’t about fear—it’s about choice. This Halloween, choose to walk tall, stay aware, and show up for others. Whether you're leading a group of Tiny Tigers or heading out with friends, your presence can bring calm and confidence to the chaos.
Protect yourself and your community. Celebrate Spooky-season Safely.
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[1] National Safety Council. Halloween Safety. https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/autumn-safety/halloween
[2] Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Halloween Safety Tips. https://www.iup.edu/emergency-management/news/2021/10/halloween-safety-tips.html
[3] Ohio State University Department of Public Safety. Halloween Safety Tips. https://dps.osu.edu/news
[4] University of Virginia Office of Student Affairs. Halloween Safety Information. https://studentaffairs.virginia.edu/communications/2024/halloween-safety
