Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating

Soon a gaggle of ghosts and goblins will be flooding the streets and knocking at our doors; Halloween is quickly approaching. The holiday can be filled with sweet fun, but the proper precautions need to be taken to make sure that everyone has a safe time while out trick-or-treating. Here are some suggestions to make your night no spookier than it is planned to be.

A popular recommendation from parents that have put in their Halloween miles time and again is to plan your trick-or-treating route in advance. This will save you from the possibility of having sore legs, and cut down on the possibility of getting lost in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

One of the most common safety concerns, visibility, should be on the minds of parents. Make sure that your child’s costume is visible in the dark. If at all possible, apply reflective tape to costumes to ensure that you are seen by drivers. Also, it might be a good idea to bring a flashlight. Parents might want to avoid masks when planning their children’s costumes. As many kids can attest, masks can make it difficult to see and breathe for your children. If possible, skip the mask and apply non-toxic face makeup. Do a test run first to make sure that your child does not have an allergic reaction to the makeup.

One major Halloween tip is to check the candy that your children collect. Experts suggest having a throughout look through and throwing away anything that looks suspicious like an open wrapper or candy appearing in something other than its original packaging.

If you are preparing your house for trick or treaters, there are also several tips the American Academy of Pediatrics would like to suggest. First, remove from your porch or front yard anything a child can trip over. Also, check outdoor lights and replace burnt out bulbs. It is also suggested that you remove wet leaves and snow from steps and sidewalks around your house. As much as we love them, make sure pets are restrained: you don’t want them jumping on someone and ruining all the fun.

Motorists should be aware of trick-or-treaters if passing through neighborhoods during the height of fright. The National Safety Council suggests watching out for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs. Motorists should also be cautious when entering and exiting drive ways and alleyways. Lastly, be especially aware of children in the dark that are hard to see.

Set up guidelines so your little ghouls get home safe. Experts suggest accompanying kids that are 12 and under. If possible, make sure your child knows their full name, address, and your phone number, in case they get seperated from you. Older kids are suggested to participate with a group, be it friends, family, or parents. Before sending them out take time to discuss a familiar route, set a curfew, and go over safety rules, especially if your child is leaving you behind.