How to Have a Safe Halloween: More Treats and Fewer Tricks
Image courtesy of Julia Raasch via Unsplash
Stay safe while trick or treating this Halloween
Your neighborhood can turn into a scary place on October 31st, ghouls and goblins are feeling more powerful than ever and sometimes they come disguised as average people. Make sure the only scares this Halloween brings are in the name of festive fun with these Halloween safety tips and tricks.
Keeping Kid’s Safe
Dress For Success: If your kiddos are still honoring your input when it comes to costume design, suggest bright colors. We recommend classic costume options such as Buzz Lightyear or Elsa. You can easily incorporate lights into these ensembles and increase visibility.
Candy Check: Be sure to inspect your child’s candy before they dig in. While the temptation of a bag of sweets is a considerable self-control test, you never know what someone has thrown in your child's pillowcase. Try making a game out of the process, so there's an incentive to hold off on diving into the loot. If you find treats you are warry of, you can offer a trade-in for some safer snacks.
Power in Numbers: When it comes to trick or treating, the more, the merrier! If you're still accompanying your children on their walks through the neighborhood, arrange to meet up with friends or neighbors before heading out. As your youngins’ are beginning to set out solo, throw a pre-party at your home so they can go with a crowd. Look out for the safety of the group by introducing some fun glowstick creations so they can hit the streets with all eyes on them, ensuring maximum safety!
Stranger Safety: Almost every other day of the year, a rule of thumb instilled in children is to not approach a stranger’s home. Review proper protocol on approaching unknown territory to make sure everyone stays safe.
Embrace Daylight: Have the youngsters fill their baskets before dusk and then plan some fun for afterward. Planning festive activities outside of the home for everyone to take part not only helps to keep everyone safe, but your local city will have plenty of fall events for you to attend throughout the season.
Do Your Part
One of the main concerns of trick or treating is traffic hazards. Peak trick or treating hours are between 5:30 and 9:30 pm, which could make for a hectic trip home for the typical commuter. Our main recommendation — take it slow.
Being extra cautious on Halloween night can make all the difference. With children darting to and from houses, it's essential to be extra courteous to pedestrians. In addition to staying alert in areas with large amounts of foot traffic, vehicular traffic could pose a potential threat as well. Be sure to use hazards when picking up or dropping off children. And be wary when approaching a stopped car as they may be yielding to trick-or-treaters or about to pull away from a drop-off themselves.
Stay safe and have fun!