Halloween is a fun time with all the witches, goblins, super heroes, and characters descending on neighborhoods across America.
We want Halloween to be a safe and enjoyable time for everyone also. The tips below will help you to keep your kids safe during this fun time.
Costumes:
Wear costumes with reflective tape or markings so the costume is easy for drivers to see. Carry a white or reflective bag for treats.
Make sure costumes don't drag the ground. Costumes should be short enough so that they don't cause your child to trip and fall.
Masks should fit securely and allow your child to see well and not hinder visibility.
Wear comfortable shoes-- You'll be doing a lot of traveling and sore feet can ruin your night.
Knives, swords, and other props should be made of a flexible material, so that they don't pose a hazard if fallen on.
Choose a costume made of flame retardant material.
Trick-or Treating Safety:
Children should be well supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating. Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups, in well-known neighborhoods.
Adults going with trick-or-treaters should clearly point out a meeting place in case they get separated. Tell the child where you'll be: will you walk with them to each door, or wait on the sidewalk in front of each home?
Older children if not with an adult should stay in familiar neighborhoods. Trick-o-treaters should plan their route before leaving home and tell an adult what that route is. Adults should set a curfew also.
Children should walk, not run, from house to house and stay on the sidewalk or the side of the road facing traffic.
Cross streets at the corner or crosswalk. Obey traffic signals.
Children should stay in well-lit areas and should only visit homes that have the outside lights turned on. Children should never go into a house to accept a treat. Stay in the doorway or on the step.
Carry a flashlight. Make sure the batteries are good.
Don't play near jack-o-lanterns; the candles inside may start a fire. Be cautious of animals you are not familiar with.
Be very cautious of strangers.
Homeowner Safety Tips:
Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes, and flower pots that can trip the young ones.
Keep candles, pumpkins with candles, matches, and lighters in a place that children cannot reach.
If you use a candle in your pumpkin, place the pumpkin on a sturdy surface well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing. Keep the pumpkin away from curtains and other objects that could catch fire.
Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting trick-or-treaters. Be aware your pet may not recognize your child in a costume.
Candy Safety:
Instruct your children to bring all candy home before eating it so the candy can I inspected.
Children shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating, before parents have chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go. Don't send them out on an empty stomach.
Tell children not to accept and, especially, not to eat anything that isn't commercially wrapped.
Throw out candy or treats that are homemade, unwrapped or if they appear to have been tampered with (pinholes in wrappers, torn wrappers, etc.)
Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small tops.
Wash all fresh fruits thoroughly, inspect it for holes, including small punctures, and cut it open before allowing children to eat it.
Healthy and alternative trick-or-treat goodies suggestions:
Packages of crackers with cheese or peanut butter; packaged fruit rolls; mini boxes of raisins; packages of hot chocolate mix; microwave popcorn; single serve boxes of cereal; packaged beef jerky; bags of nuts; gum; pencils; play jewelry; stickers; erasers; hair ribbons and barrettes; matchbox cars; crayons; sidewalk chalk; whistles and kazoos; rubber spiders and worms, and balloons.
If you are driving on Halloween:
Be extra careful when driving. Children are excited and may forget safety rules.
When driving in areas with children, slow down, and watch for them.
Enter and exit driveway and alleyways slowly and pay extra attention.
Last but not least, be careful what you get yourself into. Playing nasty tricks on people that are destructive and messy can land you in more trouble than it is worth. Everyone have a safe and Happy Halloween.
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