How to stay safe while enjoying this spooktacular holiday
Posted on October 6, 2015
Halloween is around the corner and soon we will be oohing and aahing over the varied ghouls, goblins, princesses and super heroes that come out for a magical night of trick or treating. To ensure your little one’s night out is more groovy than ghastly, be sure to check out these four trick-or-treat safety tips:
Tip #1 – Trick or Treat with an Adult
Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If your child is mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
Tip # 2 – Walk Safely
Be sure to look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks when available and always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
Remember to keep watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach your children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. And it is always a good idea to carry a cellphone for quick communication if needed.
Tip # 3 – Keep Costumes both Creative and Safe
You can still achieve a “wow” factor for your child’s costumes and be safe at the same time. Try decorating costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Also keep in mind that some costumes are available in flame resistant or flame retardant, so be sure to check the garment tag before you make your purchase to see what the costume’s material is made of. Opt for face paint and makeup than masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision at night. Offer your child to carry a glow stick or flashlight to help them see better at night and be more visible to drivers. Lastly, remember when selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Tip # 4 – Healthy Halloween
A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage your youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats. Ask your child to wait until they are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Once you have determined all your treats are safe to eat, set a daily ration for the days following Halloween, so your little one doesn’t over indulge.
We hope that these tips help you have a safe and happy Halloween for you and your family!
Comments are currently closed.