Halloween Can Be Spooky Without Safety Being Scary

Halloween is a time of costumed witches and ghouls collecting candy and treats. Whether your trick-or-treaters are stalking the neighborhood or attending a community party, there are a few things to remember to help your kids stay safe and secure. We’ve heard many of these before as these tips are timeless but once again, child safety never gets old.

What Parents Should Know:

1.) When picking a costume for your child or making one at home, ensure that it fits properly. Pants, dresses and capes that are too big present a tripping hazard.
2.) If the costumes are dark in color, consider placing a reflective tape and a flashing light on the sides or back so your child can be seen in the dark and reflect in a vehicle’s headlights. Those bend-to-activate, disposable light sticks work great.
3.) If a costume comes with a mask, make sure that your child can see clearly through the eye holes and that they have good peripheral vision as well.
4.) If your child is carrying a prop such as a knife, scythe, etc., make sure that those items are soft or flexible enough that if fallen on, will not cause any injury. Metal or home-made wooden props are usually a bad idea.
5.) Plan the trick-or-treat route with your child and make sure that they stick to it.
6.) Provide your child with a flashlight containing a new set of batteries.
7.) Small children should never be permitted to go out alone.
8.) When accompanying children, have a cell phone to use in the event of an emergency or problem.
9.) Consider giving your kids a filling pre-trick-or-treat meal. This may keep them filled enough with the good stuff so they’re not tempted to snack on the goodies along the way.

What Kids Should Know:

1.) Never eat any of the candy until an adult is able to inspect the treats.
2.) Whenever possible, stay in a group and avoid going trick-or-treating alone.
3.) If alone, never go into any houses, buildings or cars for a treat.
4.) Avoid short cuts through dimly lit areas such as the woods and alleys. Stay in well-lit areas only.
5.) Always remember the rules about strangers and getting into cars without parental permission. DON'T DO IT!
6.) Only trick-or-treat at the houses that have a porch light on.

What the Homeowner Should Know:

1.) When handing out treats, have them at the front door or on the porch. Don’t expect kids to enter your home.
2.) Have the porch and sidewalk area well lit and clear of obstacles, defective stairs or bunched up carpeting. Little ghosts trip easily.
3.) Avoid having porch candles or candle lit sidewalk luminaries. Costumes and clothing can be flammable.
4.) If you have pets, especially dogs, make sure that they are contained in an area away from the trick-or-treaters. You may think that your dog doesn’t bite but the Spiderman and the witch at the door may be frightened.

Lastly, keep your own pets in mind. Whether you’re going door-to-door for treats or you’re handing out the goodies at your house, remember that chocolate is poison to cats and dogs and may even be deadly to them in any quantity. Happy Halloween!