Halloween is a fun tradition for kids. Use these tips to make it safe and memorable for all the right reasons!
The most common injuries when trick or treating result from being hit by a car or from trips and falls. With just a little preparation, you can make this Halloween the safest one yet, without ruining the fun.
Costumes
- Use bright colors or reflective tape on costumes — including the back! That way, people driving by can see the kids.
- Wear shoes that fit. Climbing stairs or walking over uneven sidewalks is tough enough. Add in darkness and excitement, and kids are more likely to fall. Sturdy shoes give them the edge.
- Use makeup instead of masks — so they can see where they are!
- Hem costumes so they don’t hang over shoes. Use duct tape on the inside or pins to keep hems above the tips of shoes. Those long princess dresses and robes cause a tripping hazard — and the risk is greater as they climb stairs.
- Dress for the weather. Kids need jackets when it’s cold — gloves and hats are good too.
Prepare your house for trick or treaters
- Check for tripping hazards in your yard and remove them (hoses, toys, etc)
- Light your yard — turn on all outdoor lights to make it easier for trick or treaters to visit.
- Use battery powered candles or lights in jack-o-lanterns instead of regular candles.
- Make sure pets are kept away from trick or treaters. All that excitement is hard on Fido, and he might bite — even if he never has before.
Trick or Treating Safety
- Kids should always trick or treat with an adult.
- Carry a flashlight.
- Dress in bright colors or reflective clothing so passing cars can see you.
- NEVER enter someone’s home or car to get a treat. NEVER!
- For older kids trick or treating without an adult, pre-approve the route and set a check-in time.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Traffic safety
- Stay in a group! It’s true, there’s safety in numbers. First of all, you’re easier to see!
- Carry a cellphone in case of emergency.
- Use sidewalks whenever possible.
- If there’s no sidewalk, walk FACING traffic — not going with it.
- Don’t cut across yards. You can’t see hidden trip hazards, like hoses or holes.
- Cross the roads at crosswalks, and follow traffic lights.
- Watch for cars! Just because one stops for you doesn’t mean the next one will.
Candy Candy Candy
- While candy tampering is rare, you should still be vigilant. If candy is not properly wrapped or looks suspicious, throw it away.
- Also, throw away candy you don’t really enjoy. Yes, it’s hard, but there’s no reason to add the sugar and calories just because it’s there.
- Give kids a limit and put candy away once they reach it. (5 pieces a day is plenty!)
- Trick or treat for an hour and call it a day. Go home with the goodies and enjoy a snack of sliced apples while sorting through the loot. (That’s plenty of time to have fun without going overboard)