There’s a lot about Halloween that makes it one of the most fun holidays. Between dressing up however you like, and grabbing treats around town, there’s not a whole lot we have to complain about it!
For Halloween to be a fun and safe experience though, it’s important to keep in mind some safety rules so that everyone can enjoy this magical holiday the way it was intended!
Costume Safety Tips:
• Make sure to purchase costumes labeled as fire resistant. If you’re making your child’s costumes, use nylon or polyester materials which are flame retardant.
• Choose a light-colored costume so your child can be seen better in the dark. If that isn’t possible, add reflective or glow in the dark tape to the costume and trick or treat bag.
• Make sure wigs, masks, props etc. don’t inhibit your child’s ability to see or restrict breathing in any way.
• Don’t use colored contact lenses unless specifically prescribed or recommended by your child’s eye doctor.
• Put identification on your children’s costumes that include your contact information in case they get separated from you or the group.
Trick-or-Treating Basics:
Kids under the age of 12 should never go trick or treating without a responsible adult present. Make sure they know how to call 911 in case of an emergency, as well as making sure they know your cellphone or landline phone number in case they get separated from you and need to call you.
If you have older children that you can trust to go out on their own, make sure that:
• They know their planned route and time they intend on being home.
• Carry their cellphones so they can check in with you and you can check in with them.
• Go as a group and stay together in a group to maximize safety.
• Only go to houses with porch lights on.
• Stay away from fire, candle, flames, etc.
• Ensure they know to never get into a stranger’s car or go into a stranger's home because this could spell trouble.
For Everyone:
Bear in mind that according to Safe Kids Worldwide, the risk of children being hit by a car is unfortunately higher on Halloween than any other day of the year. To help prevent such a catastrophic situation, make sure that all kids (and adults too!) do the following:
• Walk on well-lit roads, in well-lit neighborhoods, and well-lit paths while they are out trick-or-treating. Encourage them to not take dark alleyways or across dark lawns when out and about.
• Cross streets at crosswalks and tell them to never assume that cars or traffic can see them or that the cars will stop as they cross.
• Walk from house to house, never run, and have them face traffic when walking on roads so they can be seen better.
• Give everyone flashlights so they can use them to see better in darker areas and prevent from tripping over things. Another great option is providing them with glow sticks and reflective tape to wear or put on their outfits, bags, etc.
• Limit their trick-or-treating area to neighborhoods and the homes of people that you know.
When Trick-or-Treating is Over:
• Throw out any opened or not-properly sealed candy or homemade treats given to them that weren’t made by someone you know.
• Throw out anything that looks spoiled or otherwise plain funky.
• Don’t let young children and toddlers have any hard candies or gum that could be a choking hazard.
Fun Goodie Ideas and Miscellaneous Safety:
• If possible, try to include and consider food and treats that those with food allergies could still enjoy such as toys, coloring books, crayons, pencils, stickers and sealed packages of dried fruit and chips or pretzels.
• If you are giving out treats for Halloween, make sure your paths and entryways are well lit and clear so people are less likely to trip or fall over anything.
• Put family pets up in a bedroom or in a crate to ensure they don’t escape, scare, or possibly hurt trick or treaters.
• Check candy over before letting kids eat any of it once they get home. There seems to be a horror story every year about things in candy that are not safe and its best to instruct children to be patient and wait just in case things that aren’t supposed to be in the candy are in the candy.
For more safety information regarding Halloween Celebrations and Trick or Treating, please visit Kids Health!