Halloween is fast approaching and with it comes one of the most anticipated traditions of the year — trick-or-treating! In order to insure that all your little ghouls and goblins stay safe and have fun this year, here are some important safety tips:
- Allow your child to trick-or-treat during the hours of 3 and 9 p.m. only. 7 p.m. is even better.
- Make sure your child is accompanied by an adult during trick-or-treating.
- Provide a flashlight to children who will be trick-or-treating after dark.
- Add reflective tape or reflectors to dark-colored clothing.
- Stress to your children the importance of watching for traffic while walking through neighborhoods, and instruct them to walk on sidewalks and cross streets at intersections.
- Check that your child’s costume fits properly and that the child’s vision is not obstructed. Masks can be especially hazardous, so check their fit, visibility and breathability before allowing your child to wear it.
- Examine all candy before allowing children to eat it. Throw away candy that has been opened and stay away from homemade treats unless you personally know the people who made them.
- Require children’s costumes to be short enough to avoid trips and falls. Also require children to wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes suitable for extensive walking.
- Plan a safe route, and walk it during the day to check for obstacles like broken sidewalks, tree limbs, or even outside pets that may scare children.
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