Halloween is a holiday that most every kid loves. They get to dress up in costumes, get candy from neighbors, attend parties, and just generally enjoy the spooky traditions. But as much fun as Halloween is, it’s important to be safe. Here are some trick or treating safety tips to ponder this season.
Walking Safety
According to Safe Kids Worldwide:
- Always cross streets at corners, using crosswalks and signals.
- Look left, right and then left again, and keep looking while you cross.
- Do not use electronic devices, keep your head up and walk across the street, don’t run.
- Teach your kids to make eye contact with all drivers prior to crossing in front of them.
- Always walk on pathways and sidewalks.
- If no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.
- Watch for cars that may be backing up or turning.
- Tell your kids to never run out into the street or cross a street between parked cars.
- Supervise kids under 12 for trick-or-treating.
- If older than that, make sure they know to stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods, and stay in groups.
Costume Safety
- Use reflective tape or stickers on bags and costumes.
- Use makeup and face paint instead of masks if possible so as not to obstruct vision.
- Let kids carry flashlights or glow sticks so they can be better seen by drivers.
- Choose the right size costume to prevent trips and falls.
- Choose shoes that fit well and costumes that are short enough so they can’t be tripped over or caught on objects.
- Look for “flame resistant” qualities on labels for costumes, wigs, and accessories.
- Make sure hats fit properly and don’t slide over the eyes.
- Avoid the use of sharp or long swords, sticks, or canes as costume accessories, which can hurt them or others if they trip.
Driving Safety
- Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Be aware that excited children move in unpredictable ways.
- Take an extra look for children at intersections, on curbs, and on medians.
- Enter and exit alleys and driveways slowly and carefully.
- Put away any distractions, such as smart phones, when driving so you can better concentrate on your surroundings.
- Turn on your headlights earlier in the day so you can see kids from greater distances.
- Be especially alert during common trick-or-treating hours, generally from 5pm to 9pm.
Stranger Danger
- Make sure older children travel in groups, and come up with a buddy system to ensure everyone gets home safely.
- Tell your children to never enter a car or home for treats.
- Notify law enforcement authorities if you see any suspicious or unlawful activity.
- Make sure your child knows how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency or if they get lost.
Preparing Your Home
- Remove tripping hazards before posted trick-or-treat hours.
- Keep the front yard and porch clear of obstacles such as hoses, bikes, and toys.
- Check outdoor lights; if any are burned out, replace them with new bulbs.
- Sweep wet leaves off steps and sidewalks so no one slips.
- Keep your pets contained and restrained so they don’t get excitable and jump on visitors.
Healthy Eating
According to Healthy Children:
- Offer non-edible goodies to trick-or-treaters in case of food allergies. Some good alternatives include glow sticks, vampire fangs, spider rings, pencils, bubbles, finger puppets, bouncy balls, bookmarks, and stickers.
- Sort out and check treats after your kids get home before allowing them to indulge. Toss any unwrapped, spoiled, or suspicious items.
- Be aware of what your child puts in their mouth while trick-or-treating. For example, keep an eye out for babies and toddlers who grab hard candies, popcorn, caramel apples, gum, small candies such as jellybeans, gummy candies, or whole nuts. Be on the lookout for choking hazards such as small toys, candy wrappers, and temporary tattoos.
Schedule a Tour of Country Home Learning Center Today
We’re all about safety here at Country Home Learning Center. We also love holidays like Halloween that give us a chance to dress up and have treats. Contact us today to book your tour of our facilities.
