How to Trick-or-Treat Safely
Enjoying a fun and spooky night of trick-or-treating is easy if you keep a few safety tips in mind. Here are some essential guidelines to ensure a worry-free Halloween:
Walk, Don’t Run: Move from house to house at a steady pace, using sidewalks whenever possible.
Stay Away from Open Flames: Be cautious of candles in jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations to avoid accidents.
Stick to Factory-Wrapped Treats: To ensure safety, avoid homemade goodies and only accept candy that’s commercially packaged.
Remove Makeup Promptly: Take off your child’s costume makeup soon after trick-or-treating to prevent skin irritation.
To help make this Halloween enjoyable for everyone, review our handy list of safety tips before the big night.
Follow the Rules of the Road
While the allure of a festively decorated house might be tempting, it’s crucial to stick to designated crossing points. Remind kids to look both ways before crossing streets. If you’re driving, be extra cautious and watch out for trick-or-treaters to ensure everyone’s safety.
Supervision for Younger Kids
Children under 12 should always have an adult accompanying them.
Stick with Friends: If kids are old enough to go without an adult, they should still be in a group and stick to familiar neighborhoods.
Use Technology for Older Kids: If older children are heading out alone, consider using a mobile tracker app to keep tabs on their whereabouts.
Set Check-In Times: Establish a timeline for kids to check in with you during the night, and set a curfew to keep everyone on track.
Be Visible
Make sure costumes, candy bags, strollers, and wagons have plenty of reflective tape. Glow sticks and flashlights are also great additions. This not only helps others see you while crossing streets but also provides extra light for navigating unfamiliar areas—it’s a win-win!
Ensure Your Child’s Costume Is Safe
In addition to reflective elements, ensure costumes are easy to walk in and do not restrict breathing or vision.
For costumes featuring pointy accessories like swords, opt for soft foam versions instead of hard plastic to prevent injuries during playful encounters. If the costume is cumbersome, consider making adjustments to prevent trips and falls. Always keep your child in sight, and remind them not to run between houses.
Make Healthy Food Choices Before and After
While kids may dream of mountains of candy, parents often prefer healthier options. A clever trick is to serve their favorite nutritious meal before heading out, which can help curb their candy cravings. You might also consider handing out non-candy treats, like small toys or coloring books, to keep the excitement alive without the empty calories.
Inspect the Treats
Although food tampering is rare, it’s still wise to go through the candy haul at the end of the night. Again remove any homemade treats, check for allergens, and discard any suspicious items to ensure your child’s safety.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can focus on the fun of Halloween while keeping your family safe!
