Each year when Halloween comes around parents will usually take the necessary precautions to keeping their children safe while trick-or-treating. It’s a normal procedure to keep your child supervised while out in the neighborhood and to monitor their candy stash when the night is over. However, each year we always seem to hear of different occurrences that can put children at risk of dangerous and unsafe situations.
This Halloween, we want you and your child to experience a truly enjoyable holiday. Therefore, we compiled a list of safety procedures to take note of while out trick-or-treating and afterward.
1. Wear Bright Colors
Don’t forget, it’s getting darker earlier this time of year. Even if your child’s costume is an all black vampire, try to find a way to attach reflective tape to their costume or candy bag so s/he will be visible to drivers.
2. Costume Safety
If the costume your child is wearing requires a mask, make sure it doesn’t block their peripheral vision. As for costume accessories such as swords and knives, these should be short, soft and flexible.
3. Candy Patrol
Monitor all treats before eating them. Look for candy that may be a choking hazard or wrappers that appear to have been tampered with. Try to stick with eating factory wrapped treats only.
4. Avoid Trick-or-Treating Alone
Although older elementary school children might already be thinking they’re too cool to be with their parents, don’t let them go out alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult and carry a flashlight with you and have your kids hold glow sticks.
5. Entering Homes
Only allow children to enter homes if they are with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses.
6. Walk, Don’t Run
Enforce a “no running” rule and if there is a sidewalk, use it. If there isn’t one, walk on the street facing traffic, as far to the left as possible. Halloween is a holiday that children are at high risk of being struck by a car.
7. Know Your Neighbors
Trick-or-treat in a neighborhood you know well. Visit the homes of people you know and only let your children walk up to well-lit homes.
8. Eat Up First
Make sure your kids eat a healthy, early dinner so they don’t get too hungry on the road (wouldn’t want them to start snacking on candy all night).
9. Look Before You Leap
Look both ways before you children cross the street.
10. Flame Resistance
Try to buy costumes that are flame resistant and stay away from lit candles. Children have a higher risk of a fire accident while dressed up in costume.
