Trick-or-treating is a major part of Halloween. The rush of going from house to house to get a bag full candy is a childhood dream come true. As adults, keeping your children safe is your number one priority. Be cautious is necessary for a safe and happy Halloween.
Plan
Before Halloween, get a rough idea of where you will be trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
- Know the times of trick-or-treating in your community.
- Draw map of your planned trick-or-treating path.
- Stick to well-lit areas in your neighborhood.
- Locate a safe place to meet up if anyone is separated from the group.
Appropriate Fitting Costumes
Whether you are buying or making your child’s costume, safety is essential.
- Appropriate fitting costumes are necessary to avoid trips and falls.
- Avoid complicated costumes.
- Consider skipping masks and use face paint. A mask may hinder your child’s ability to see properly.
- Use reflective tape on your child’s costume.
- The material should be flame retardant.
Halloween Night
When out trick-or-treating, keep these safety rules in mind.
- Stay with your group. Remind your children the importance of staying together on Halloween night.
- Young children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Stay outdoors. Never go into a stranger’s house.
- Only go to houses with porch lights on.
- Stay on the sidewalk. Avoid taking any types of short cuts. The area may not be safe.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks for extra light.
- Watch out for other trick-or-treaters especially when driving around a neighborhood. Children who are excited to get to the next house may not look both ways before crossing the street.
Inspect All Candy
The temptation to sneak a candy for the pail is natural for children during trick-or-treating. Emphasize the importance of inspecting all candy before eating.
Most of all enjoy Halloween! Children will not always want to go trick-or-treating.
Rebecca's Country Notes 