As Halloween approaches, parents often find themselves caught between wanting their kids to have a blast and keeping everyone safe. The good news is, with a few simple precautions, you can have the best of both worlds. Here are some key safety tips to make this Halloween both fun and secure for your children.
Costume Safety
When it comes to costume safety, opt for light-colored or reflective outfits to enhance visibility. Make sure the costumes fit well to prevent trips and falls and consider face paint instead of masks that might obstruct vision. It’s also important to avoid flammable materials and keep any props short and flexible.
Trick-or-Treating Rules
When trick-or-treating, children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult. If you have older kids, encourage them to go in groups, stick to familiar, well-lit areas, and carry a cell phone. Before they head out, establish a planned route and curfew, and remind them never to enter strangers’ homes or cars.
Road Safety
Teach your children to use sidewalks and crosswalks, and to look left, right, and left again before crossing streets. Encourage them to put electronic devices away and stay alert. Providing them with flashlights or glow sticks can greatly improve their visibility to drivers.
Candy Check
Lastly, once the trick-or-treating is done, it’s time for the all-important candy check. Inspect all treats before your kids dig in. We recommend discarding any unwrapped, tampered, or homemade items from unknown sources.