SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Chief Steven Pinch and the Union Fire District of South Kingstown would like to share safety tips for trick-or-treating and alternative Halloween activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

South Kingstown residents and communities should follow safe and healthy guidelines to participate in Halloween activities that may limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. As a reminder, any Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits as well as applicable sector-specific workplace safety standards.

Consistent with the Halloween activity guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some things to keep in mind in celebrating Halloween this year include:

• Enjoy Halloween outside rather than attending indoor events.
• Place candy on a platter instead of a bowl.
• Instead of traditional trick or treating, opt for one-way trick-or-treating, with treats placed outside of the home for trick-or-treaters as a “grab and go” while keeping distance from others.
• Consider leaving hand sanitizer by any treats left out for trick-or-treaters to use.
• Wear a face mask or face covering.
  • A costume mask is not a substitute for a face mask or face covering. To protect yourself and others, ensure you are wearing a protective face mask or covering instead of or in addition to a costume mask.
• Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Decorate your yard for others to enjoy from their car or while on a socially-distanced walk.
• Hold virtual costume contests or pumpkin carving events.
• Celebrate with members of your household with a Halloween-themed meal, Halloween movie night, or by preparing a Halloween scavenger hunt.
• Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.

Families should avoid the following:

• Attending crowded costume parties held indoors, or any gatherings that exceed indoor or outdoor gathering limits;
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming; and
• Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.

Families participating in trick-or-treating should be mindful of the following additional safety tips:

• Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house. Look both ways before crossing the street.
• All props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision
  or movement.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them. Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.

Stay home and refrain from Halloween activities, including handing out Halloween treats, if you feel unwell, you have tested positive for COVID-19, you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or you have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days.

The Union Fire District wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!