Halloween is one of the most exciting nights for your children. Staying out after dark, dressing up, getting candy. But, as a parent, you want to protect your family and make sure their Halloween is as safe as it is spooky. These tips from SafeWise and Safe Kids Worldwide will ensure your ghost or goblin stays safe trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
Walk Safely
• Make sure to observe all traffic laws, only cross at street corners, and use the sidewalks.
• Remind your kids to look left, right, and then left again before they cross the street.
• Plan a direct route with the safest walking path, always using sidewalks when available.
• If there are no sidewalks, then get as far to the side of the road as possible and walk in the direction of oncoming traffic. That way, drivers will be sure to see you.
• Talk to your child about what to do if they should get lost and make a plan for them to contact you immediately.
Trick or Treat with an Adult
• Children under 12 should not trick-or-treat alone. Plan to have an adult go out with them.
• If a child is allergic to certain candies, make sure they wear their medical alert bracelet, if they have one, and that an adult is present to check candy before eating.
Keep Costumes Safe
• Decorate costumes and treat bags with reflective tape or stickers. The more colorful the costume, the better they will be seen in the dark.
• Choose face paint and makeup over a mask if possible. Masks can make it hard to see.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights with them.
• Make sure the costume fits properly and that it won’t trip anyone.
• When buying costumes, check the label to make sure they’re flame resistant.
• If making a homemade costume, try to use flame resistant fabrics like nylon or polyester and always follow fire safety rules.
Keep Teens Safe
• Send them with a cell phone or some other way to contact you and make sure they check in throughout the night.
• Ask them about their planned route and tell them to stick to it.
• If they’re headed out to a party, make sure it’s a safe environment with adult supervision.
• Remind kids not to engage in Halloween “pranks.” Toilet papering a house and throwing eggs are both disrespectful and illegal.
• If your teen is driving, remind them to use extra precaution on Halloween night.
Halloween is meant to be fun and filled with thrills. Remember these tips to protect your family and make sure all the little Ghoulies come home safe and with bags brimming with candy. Also, worried about keeping your home safe during this holiday of mischief? My Alarm Center is here to help with professionally monitored alarm systems.