Steamboat Doctor Outlines Safety Rules for Halloween Night

Steamboat Springs —Jen Cohen, a physician assistant at UCHealth Urgent Care in Steamboat Springs, has a simple directive for the upcoming holiday: "We want to stress safety, but we want everyone to enjoy it as much as possible."

It’s a balanced approach, but the details behind that balance are where the real work happens. For context, this isn’t just a kid’s event anymore. It’s a full-scale production involving costumes, routes, and yes, a lot of sugar. Let’s do the math on what that actually looks like for your household.

First, the pre-game. Cohen advises eating a nutritious meal with fruit, vegetables, and protein before the "pumpkin prowling" begins. On paper, this seems obvious. In practice, it’s the first line of defense against the "inevitable sugar high." It’s a buffer. Without it, the crash is sharper.

Then there’s the gear. Costumes shouldn’t just look good; they need to function. Flame resistance is non-negotiable. Length matters — a costume dragging on the ground is a trip hazard. Visibility is critical. Neon strips or reflective tape aren’t optional accessories; they’re survival tools. Cohen’s advice is blunt: "The brighter, the better to help with visibility."

Accessories require a reality check. Swords and sticks need to be manageable for a child who is also carrying a candy bag. Masks that obstruct vision are a liability. Face paint is the superior option. And if you’re bringing realistic-looking guns or firearms, you’ve already lost.

Route planning is where the logistics kick in. Stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods. Use the buddy system so no child is ever alone. Flashlights or headlamps are standard issue. A telephone check-in or meet-up time provides a safety net. For older children and teenagers, the conversation needs to shift to alcohol and drugs. Dress for the weather — layers are essential if it’s snowy or cold.

Once you’re out and about, the rules of engagement change. Stay on sidewalks. Cross streets at crosswalks or stop signs. Walk, don’t run. Watch for porch steps and curbs, especially if you’re wearing a long costume or carrying props. "Put electronic devices down and keep all heads up," Cohen said. Respect the boundaries of neighbors who aren’t participating. Don’t enter unfamiliar houses. Don’t get into a car if a stranger offers you a ride.

The post-game is where the hygiene protocols come into play. Wash hands before opening and eating treats. Inspect opened candy or treats that may have been tampered with. Homemade items like candy apples, fruit, or baked goods from neighbors you don’t know need a visual check for signs of tampering. Plan a fun activity to sort through candies, trade them, play games with the pieces, or use them as an alternative to just eating them.

Brush your teeth to "avoid the 'sugar bugs.'" Remove all makeup and face paint before going to bed to prevent irritation to the skin and eyes. Share extra candy with senior centers, place it in a community bowl at work, or donate it to first responders or deployed troops.

If you’re driving at night, go slow. Watch for pedestrians as you’re backing up and heading down driveways and alleys. The practical bottom line is this: safety is a series of small, deliberate choices made before, during, and after the night. Miss one, and the risk multiplies. Do them all, and you get to enjoy the spooky season without the regret.