Whether you're hosting a party or going Trick-or-Treating, kids love the chance to dress up in costume (and have some candy along the way)! But as parents know all too well, any activity involving mobs of kids making a candy rush after dark can easily result in accidents.
To make sure your pint-sized superheroes, princesses, and pirates have a fun, safe Halloween, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Safe Light - Cut down on fire hazards by lighting your Jack-O-Lanterns with battery operated candles or flashlights. The effect is the same and no one has to have a bucket of water nearby.
Outdoor Power - If you've set up anything electrical outside, make sure that it is intended for the outdoors. Decorative lights and motorized effects should be inspected for frayed wires prior to being set up outside your home. This will cut down on the chance of anyone being shocked (or worse).
Who Ya Gonna Call (To Get Candy With)? - Trick-or-treating is safer (and more fun) with others. Children 12 years old or younger should have an adult with them for their candy questing. Older children should still be sure to trick-or-treat with a group of friends and stay with that group of friends for the entire evening.
Game Plan - If your older kids are going out with their friends, make certain that everyone knows the plan. Where will they be trick-or-treating? When will they be back? Do they have a way to get in touch if they need to talk to you? There are times where you don't want to over plan. Halloween is not one of those times.
Walk Safe - Make sure any trick-or-treaters walk on the sidewalks. If there are areas without sidewalks, have them stick to the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. And remember to coach them to stay as far off to the side as they can when cars are coming.
Cross Safe - Only cross the street at a corner. If you can cross at a stop light or sign, that's even better. And be sure to use crosswalks where they are available. When there are cars around, try to make eye contact with the driver before starting to cross. If you can't see their eyes, they might not be looking.
Cautious Costumes - Halloween costumes should be a fun, creative way of expressing yourself, not a potential danger. Make sure that all costumes are made on fire-resistant material and don't have billowing or trailing fabric that can get caught. To improve visibility to drivers at night, try incorporating bright colors into your costume or add reflective tape.
Cozy Costumes - Dress appropriately for the weather and temperature. If it's a cold October and snow is falling, it might not be the best Halloween to paint yourself green and go as the Incredible Hulk.
Light up the Night! - Give your kids flash lights or glow sticks for when they're out. This will help them see where they're going and be seen by drivers.
Be on the Lookout Behind the Wheel - A lot of these tips are for pedestrians, but if you're driving on Halloween, be vigilant for all the ghost and goblins on foot. Trick-or-treating usually occurs anytime between 5pm and 9pm, but that's only a guideline, not a rule. Some kids--especially older ones--might stay out later. Drive slowly and cautiously in residential areas, and be prepared to brake if someone suddenly runs across the street.
Photo Credit: Analyser
Originally Published 10/25/2016
