Halloween is a time for fun costumes, spooky scares and buckets overflowing with treats. But with all of the excitement, parents and children may overlook the safety risks that come along with celebrating this treat-filled holiday. With some simple planning and precautions, we can all create a safe environment for children to have fun! Here are some Halloween safety tips to keep your trick-or-treaters safe.
Top Tips for Trick-or-Treating
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year. Given these scary Halloween statistics, it’s important you discuss Halloween safety with your family and take steps to reduce risk.
Make yourself visible.
Put reflective tape on costumes and treat bags. Always carry a flashlight or glow sticks. Consider choosing a costume with light or bright colors.
Trick-or-treat with an adult.
Children under 12 should have adult supervision. Consider dressing up with your child to make the experience more memorable for them.
Set ground rules.
Discuss safety precautions with your child. Only approach clearly lit homes and don’t go inside anyone’s home or car for any reason. Always stay with the group, walk on the sidewalk, and only cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
Be alert and SLOW down.
Drivers have a responsibility to make trick-or-treating safe. Kids may be excited and dart into the street.
Inspect treats.
Carefully inspect all treats before your child begins diving into them. Discard anything that isn’t sealed or looks questionable. Check labels carefully if your child has any known allergies. For young children, remove gum, hard candies and other choking hazards – you can always transfer these items to an older sibling or your personal hidden stash (we all have them)!
Halloween Prep Tips
Here’s a few additional tips to help you get ready for Halloween.
Costume Sizing
Make sure costumes fit well and don’t drag on the ground to avoid tripping. Opt for nontoxic makeup or face paint instead of masks which can obstruct your child’s vision. Avoid large, billowy sleeves and pointed accessories (ex: swords) that may pose a safety hazard.
Pumpkin Carving
Injuries can happen when carving pumpkins, especially with young children. Leave the carving to adults or opt for a safe alternative by decorating your pumpkins with paint, markers, and other fun art supplies.
Lighting Your Pumpkin
Consider using a battery-operated flameless candle or glow stick to light your pumpkins instead of the traditional candle. This can prevent accidental burns and property damage.
Treats for All
Consider handing out sweet alternatives like stickers, colored chalk, fun accessories, or small toys.
Property Prep
Make your home a safe place for trick-or-treaters by putting away any tripping hazards (ex: garden hoses) and clear debris from your sidewalk. Turn on your porch or outside lights and secure your pets.
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