How to Stay Safe Trick-or-Treating on Halloween
Are you ready for Halloween? October 31 is just around the corner. This is the time to check that you have all the necessary items for Halloween like costumes, decorations, and candy. But don’t forget flashlights, glow sticks, and a lot of planning to make Halloween trick-or-treating safer.
Trick-or-Treating has been a big part of Halloween for a long time, according to a blog on Babonbo, and it is the part of the holiday that kids love the most. They get to stay up late, wear costumes, and eat candy. What can be more fun than that for kids?
But allowing your children out in the neighborhood and going to strangers’ homes can be terrifying to parents. It doesn’t have to be. There are steps you can take before and during Halloween to help keep your little ones safe. Here are some tips on how to stay safe Trick-or-Treating on Halloween.
Safety Tips Before Halloween
Keeping your kids safe on Halloween starts before the holiday, stressed the Canadian government. Two things to keep in mind are costumes and decorations.
Choose a safe costume: make sure that the costumes fit and are not a tripping hazard. Add reflective tape so your children can be seen by cars. Using hyper allergenic face paint (test beforehand) instead of a mask that can block vision. Choose accessories that are not hard or are sharp so pretend sword fights do not lead to real injuries.
Reduce the fire risk of decorations: Use flashlights or battery-powered lights inside jack-o’-lanterns instead of candles. (Make sure an adult does the carving of the pumpkin to prevent injuries.) Keep candles away from curtains and decorations as well as out of reach from children and pets.
Trick-Or-Treating Safety
Preplan your route ahead of time making sure the area is populated and well-lit, reported NBC Miami. Stick to a place that you know or a neighborhood that you trust.
Trick-or-treat in groups: There is safety in numbers. An adult should always supervise young children. Older children should go out in groups, stick to sidewalks wherever possible, and have a set time for returning home.
Light is the key: Light is important for several reasons. That is why it is important to carry a flashlight or light stick to see where you are going and to let cars know that you are there. Only visit homes that have outdoor lights on, this shows that they are participating in Halloween.
Watch out for pets: While many dogs are friendly, some are not. Dogs off leash can pose a danger to children so do not approach them. Normally calm pets can get overly excited by constant doorbell ringing and people coming to their homes.
Adults should check candy: Instruct your children that candy and treats must be inspected before eaten, according to news from The American Red Cross. Remove homemade treats, fruit, loose candy, and open packages. Also check ingredients for allergens. Small children should not have any candy, which is a choking hazard. This will make Halloween a safer and more enjoyable holiday for you and your children.
