It's that time of year again when even the youngest children will be wandering the streets in search of the proverbial bag of candy. Halloween is a fun time for kids and many adults, but it is also a dangerous time if you do not practice good safety habits.
Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips
Before you take your little goblins out for a Halloween trick-or-treat event, consider some of these important safety tips to keep them healthy and safe:
- First and most importantly, make sure that children never visit a stranger's house. It's safer to take them to visit homes of people they know and trust. Children should never take candy or treats from anyone they do not know and they should be accompanied by an adult.
- Wear flame retardant clothing. It's fun to dress for Halloween, but billowy flowing costumes can easily come in contact with candles or other sources of fire. Make sure the child's costume fits well and is flame retardant or flame-resistant. Costumes should never drag the floor. And to make it even safer, be sure to put reflective tape or stickers on the costume.
- Be careful crossing the street. Children should never cross the street alone, and always make sure to look in both directions when helping them cross. Holding hands is a good, safe practice on Halloween and any other time.
- Do not open and eat candy before returning home. Children should always keep their candy stowed away until parents have time to check it over carefully. Discard any unwrapped candy or any candy that appears to have been tampered with in any way. It's always best to be safe when it comes to a question about whether or not candy is safe to eat.
- Respect everyone's privacy. Many people today prefer not to participate in Halloween festivities. This is typically demonstrated by keeping front porch lights turned off. It's important not to bother people who you know or think prefer not to have little trick-or-treaters knocking on the door. And never decide to "trick" anyone who chooses not to participate. Vandalism is a crime.
- Always carry a flashlight to light the way. It's common sense to avoid dark alleys and other dark areas too.
Practice Safety at Home on Halloween
There are also safety rules for parents who expect to have visitors on Halloween. These safety tips can make it a safer event for everyone at any age.
- Keep the front porch lights on and walkways well lit.
- Remove any obstacles such as bikes or toys from walkways to prevent accidental injuries.
- Jack-O-Lanterns should be lit with small tea-lights or other safe candles. They can also be brightened up with artificial lights that are readily available in all craft stores. Keep flames away from areas where children will walk so they don't risk catching costumes in a flame.
- Only offer treats that are individually and safely wrapped to avoid questions when little ones return home.
Respect Others
Help children have a safe and healthy Halloween. Don't forget to tell them how it important it is to say "thank you" for the treats they receive. Good manners should not be forgotten on this ghoulish holiday, and this is just one more way to teach children to respect others.
Rhonda Day - With over 25 years of experience in the Corporate world with responsibility for creation of business plans, mission statements, marketing ...
Join the Conversation