Halloween in St. Francois County is one of the most exciting nights of the year.

Kids fill the streets in costume, neighbors pass out candy, and families enjoy everything from hayrides to haunted houses. But with all that fun comes a spike in emergencies, most of which are totally preventable.

Whether you’re taking your kids trick-or-treating or heading to a party yourself, a few smart moves can help keep everyone safe.

Here are the top five Halloween emergencies we see most often, plus some easy ways to steer clear of them.

1. Pedestrian Injuries and Car Accidents

When it gets dark, visibility drops fast. Mix in distracted drivers and kids darting between parked cars, and accidents can happen in a heartbeat.

Watch out for:

Trick-or-treaters crossing in unexpected places
Drivers speeding or using phones
Dark costumes that blend into the night

How to stay safe:

Add glow sticks, clip-on lights, or reflective tape to costumes and bags
Carry flashlights and stick to sidewalks or crosswalks
Drivers: slow to 10–15 mph in neighborhoods and expect sudden stops
Leave the phone alone. One glance away is all it takes

A little visibility goes a long way.

St. Francois County Ambulance District Halloween

2. Allergic Reactions and Choking Hazards

For kids with allergies, Halloween candy can feel like a minefield. And for little ones, even a single piece can become a choking hazard.

What can go wrong:

Peanut or dye allergies triggered by mystery candy
Choking on hard or sticky treats
Eating something before it’s been checked

Smart Steps:

Inspect the candy before anyone eats it
Avoid unwrapped or homemade items unless you know the source
If your child has known allergies, keep an EpiPen on hand
Avoid homemade treats due to unknown ingredients

A quick double-check can prevent a big scare.

3. Costume Injuries and Falls

Spooky outfits are fun. But long capes, slippery masks, and dark sidewalks can be a recipe for twisted ankles or worse.

We often see:

Trips and falls from dragging costumes
Poor visibility from masks
Cuts or pokes from stiff costume props

To avoid it:

Pick costumes that fit right and don’t drag
Use face paint instead of vision-blocking masks
Swap rigid props for softer, flexible ones
Homeowners: clear walkways, secure cords, and add lighting

It’s hard to have fun with a sprained ankle.

4. Pet Bites and Animal Incidents

Even the sweetest pets can get overwhelmed. Costumes, doorbells, and strangers can stress them out fast.

Common Situations:

Dogs frightened by costumes or loud noises.
Pets slipping out through open doors.
Animals getting into chocolate or candy.

What helps:

Keep pets in a calm, quiet room during trick-or-treat hours
Teach kids not to approach unfamiliar animals
Never feed pets candy or chocolate

Our furry friends deserve a peaceful Halloween, too.

5. Diabetic Emergencies (Type 1 and Type 2)

Halloween’s sugary treats can pose special risks for people with diabetes. Whether insulin-dependent or managing with diet and medication, planning ahead can prevent dangerous highs or lows in blood sugar.

Common situations:

A child or adult with Type 1 diabetes eats candy or desserts but leaves their insulin or glucose monitor at home.
A person with Type 2 diabetes consumes more sweets than normal, leading to elevated blood sugar or dehydration.
Long walks or excitement cause unexpected drops in blood sugar, especially if meals were skipped earlier in the day.

Prevention Tips:

Plan ahead: Carry insulin, glucose tablets, or fast-acting carbs while trick-or-treating or attending events.
Check levels often: Bring a glucose monitor and test before and after eating candy or walking long distances.
Set limits: Enjoy sweets in moderation and eat them alongside a balanced meal or snack.
Watch for warning signs: Shakiness, confusion, sweating, or dizziness can signal low blood sugar—treat immediately with a glucose source.

If someone becomes disoriented, unresponsive, or is having trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. Early intervention can prevent a medical emergency.

Halloween is about fun, imagination, and spending time with the people who matter most. A little preparation and awareness can make all the difference in keeping it a safe and memorable night for everyone.

From all of us at St. Francois County Ambulance District, we wish you a safe, happy, and frightfully fun Halloween!

Whether you’re out trick-or-treating, attending a community event, or handing out candy at home, remember — safety first, candy second, and smiles always.