Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year in Iowa. With neighborhood parties and trick-or-treating, families look forward to Halloween costumes, candy, and spooky fun. At the same time, the holiday does come with a few risks. This guide provides essential Halloween safety for kids and families to help ensure the night stays both fun and safe.

Six young trick-or-treaters dive into a bowl of Halloween candy.

Quick Safety Checklist

Before heading out, run through this list:

  • Costumes are flame-resistant and not too long
  • Reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights are ready to keep kids visible
  • Face paint and makeup were patch-tested ahead of time
  • Treat bags checked for allergies and choking hazards
  • Pets are safely away from chocolate and sugar-free candies (xylitol is toxic to dogs)
  • Iowa Poison Control Center number saved: 1-800-222-1222

Candy and Food Safety

It’s best to wait until the candy has been inspected at home before eating. Discard anything unwrapped, ripped, or discolored. For younger children, remove small items like gum or hard candies that could be a choking hazard. Families managing food allergies should double-check ingredient labels. Don’t eat homemade treats unless they’re from someone you know and trust.

Dry Ice and Glow Stick Safety

Dry ice is a popular way to create spooky fog effects during Halloween parties and displays. While it looks impressive, it must be handled with care. Touching dry ice with bare skin can cause painful burns, and it should never be placed directly into drinks, since swallowing it can burn the mouth, throat, and stomach. Always use gloves or tongs when handling dry ice, and make sure the area is well-ventilated to avoid a buildup of carbon dioxide gas.

Glow sticks and necklaces are a great option to help light up the night and keep our children safe. However, if one leaks, the liquid can sting eyes or mouths and irritate skin. If swallowed, the contents can cause burning and nausea. The fluid inside a glow stick is generally non-toxic, and in most cases does not require medical assistance.

If someone is accidentally exposed to dry ice or glow stick liquid, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away for expert guidance.

Halloween Makeup and Costumes

Costumes should be fun, but they also need to be safe. Look for flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon, and avoid long hems that could lead to tripping. Adding reflective tape to costumes or treat bags is an easy way to help drivers spot children after dark.

Halloween face paint and makeup are popular alternatives to masks, but some products may contain harmful metals like lead or mercury. To reduce risks, test a small amount on the skin a day or two before Halloween to check for irritation or allergies. Choose cosmetic-grade products made in the United States, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and wash everything off before bedtime.

Tip: Makeup and hats are safer than masks, which can block a child’s vision.

Trick-or-Treating Basics

Walking safely is just as important as inspecting candy. Stay on sidewalks, cross at corners, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets. Young children should always be with an adult, and older kids should travel in groups and stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.

When to Call the Iowa Poison Control Center

Halloween should be full of creativity, costumes, and candy—not emergencies. With these safety tips for Halloween, families across Iowa can enjoy a safe, happy night. Don’t forget about Halloween pet safety, too—keeping chocolate and certain candies away from pets is just as important.

Call 1-800-222-1222 right away if:

  • A child swallows makeup, glow-stick liquid, or dry ice
  • Face paint or glow fluid gets in the eyes
  • A rash or skin reaction develops from makeup
  • Someone has symptoms of a food allergy, like hives, swelling, or trouble breathing

Our Iowa-based experts are available around the clock to give free, confidential poison help. If the situation is life-threatening, call 911 first.