Children love everything about Halloween, from choosing a costume to parading about in it to the age-old custom of trick or treating. As parents, there is much we can do to keep kids safe as well as happily entertained on this exciting All-Hallows Eve. Here are some safety tips to follow this Halloween season.
- Accompany Your Kids – Children under 12 should not be trick or treating out on their own, and kids over 12 should have a curfew time.
- Choose Costumes That Fit – Make sure costumes are short and comfortable enough to prevent trips and falls. Light or bright colors are best.
- Choose Face Paint Over Masks – Masks can seriously impair your children’s vision, which is important when they are on the move.
- Keep Them Visible – Be sure that children carry glow sticks or flashlights. Use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags to help them see and be seen by drivers.
- Use Reminders – Remind kids to cross only at corners or crosswalks, be alert to traffic at all times and never dart out into the street.
- Inspect Treats – Instruct kids to eat nothing while trick or treating. Once home, discard anything that is not sealed or has torn packaging, and any gum or large candies that could be choking hazards for young kids.
- Keep the Lights On – Be sure kids have good visibility around your walkway and on the porch.
- Control Pets – Your furry friends can get over-excited with all the comings and goings. Be sure they pose no threat to kids at the door.
- Consider Candy Substitutes – Instead of handing out sweets at the door, consider giving trick or treaters stickers, fun pencils, sidewalk chalk or little rubber spiders.
- Drive Carefully – Traffic is typically heavy at rush hour on Halloween as parents hurry to get home. Take special care as you drive and watch out for trick or treaters on city streets.
