Halloween, the night of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, is a much-anticipated event for children and adults alike. While it’s all about fun, costumes, and candy, safety should never take a backseat on this spooky night. As you prepare for a night of family fun, we’ve gathered a list of trick-or-treat safety tips to ensure you have a great time this Halloween!
Tips for Trick-or-Treaters
Costume Safety
Your kiddos will indeed have a say in their costume choice this season. We’ve got a list for that here. When helping your child choose the best costume, ensure it fits well, is comfy, and does not hinder their ability to breathe or see. An outfit with too many pieces might be a nightmare to keep up with, so keep the accessories to a minimum.
Use the Buddy System
If you can find partners to head out with. Your family members or neighborhood friends are great for creating a buddy system for your kids. Have your kids pick a buddy and tell them to check in with each other throughout the evening.
Reflective Gear
Trick-or-treating typically happens once the sun goes down. To ensure your kids have an extra layer of protection, incorporate reflective tape or stickers into costumes and bags to make your child more visible to drivers. Glow sticks or flashlights can also be helpful for visibility.
Use crosswalks
Ensure you teach your kids how and when to cross the street. You’ll also want to ensure you use crosswalks, teach your children safety hand signals, and listen to crossing guards. Remind them to stay on the sidewalk and follow traffic rules.
Respect Others
Halloween should be spooky, not scary. Remind children to respect others’ property, not to frighten or intimidate, and to say “thank you” for treats. Also, remind your kiddos to use the sidewalks and avoid walking through the neighbor’s yard or garden.
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Tips for Parents
Inspect candy
Before indulging in any Halloween candy, inspect it thoroughly. Check for any signs of tampering or unusual packaging. When in doubt, throw it out. Remember to pay close attention to homemade goodies, fruit, or inedible items. It is essential to make sure and check your child’s goodies before letting them loose. Consider setting a limit for how much candy they can have each day.
Set a Time Limit
Halloween does not always happen during the weekend, so if you head out during the weeknight, try your hardest to stick to your typically nightly routine. Set a limit for how long you will be out and return on time with your kiddos. You also don’t want to be out too late on such a spooky night!
Know Your Neighbors
Fall is a great time to get to know your neighbors. When you and your children are out on Halloween night, visit homes where you know the neighbors. It is always safer to trick-or-treat where you are comfortable and know someone in the neighborhood!
Be Cautious of Strangers
Make sure that before Halloween, you have discussed strangers with your children. Be sure to practice safety when interacting with those they may not know, and ensure you have a plan in place should your child feel unsafe. You’ll also want to remind your children to only enter someone’s home if it’s a trusted friend or family member’s house. Strangers offering treats inside their homes should be avoided.
Always have an Emergency Plan
No matter what, your children should always know what to do in an emergency. Discuss this plan with your children often, and be sure not to scare them; teach them to be aware of their surroundings. Make sure your child knows how and when to call 911 for help.
Following these trick-or-treat safety tips ensures that Halloween remains a thrilling and enjoyable experience for your little ghosts and goblins. Remember, striking the right balance between fun and safety is the key to a successful Halloween. So, gear up, grab your candy bags, and prepare for a spooktacular Halloween night!
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