Hey, neighbors! Halloween is finally here, and I’m as excited for the spooky fun as everyone else. But I have to admit, my “safety brain” never really turns off.

Here at DATCS, our primary focus in our jobs is following strict procedures to ensure workplaces are safe and sound. When I see all the kids out trick-or-treating, I can’t help but think of our streets as a “safety zone” and our kids as the VIPs we need to protect.

Here’s a truly scary statistic: kids are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year. That’s a preventable problem, and it’s one we can all help solve.

So, from one safety-conscious person to another, here are five simple “protocols” I’m following with my own family to make sure our night is all about fun, not accidents.

In our field, being aware of your surroundings is critical. On Halloween, the priority is making sure others are aware of you.

Action Item: Equip your children with glow sticks or flashlights. Apply reflective tape generously to costumes and bags. Think of it as personal protective equipment (PPE) for trick-or-treating. We want to prevent a “post-accident” scenario before it ever happens.

A “slip, trip, and fall” is one of the most common workplace injuries, and the same risk applies tonight.

Action Item: Ensure your child’s costume fits properly to prevent tripping. More importantly, opt for face paint instead of a mask. A mask limits peripheral vision and reduces situational awareness. In a safety-sensitive role, you must have a clear vision of your surroundings—the same standard should apply to our kids when they’re near traffic.

When we’re on call, I have to be ready and unimpaired at a moment’s notice. On Halloween, every driver and pedestrian needs to adopt that same “fit for duty” mindset.

Action Item: If you are driving, slow down and eliminate all distractions. Kids are excited and unpredictable. For walkers, reinforce the procedure: cross only at corners or crosswalks, and never assume a car will stop.

In our line of work, we have strict procedures for everything. Your family should too, especially for a lost child.

Action Item: Make sure your children know your full name, phone number, and address. For younger children, a name tag with your phone number on their costume is a smart, simple protocol. Drill this plan like you would a fire drill.

At DATCS, our motto is “Do it Right or Not at All!” Let’s apply that same commitment to Halloween. A safe night is a successful night.

Stay vigilant, and have a safe Halloween.