Halloween: Safety tips for trick-or-treaters
Posted October 31, 2018 6:03 am.
Last Updated October 31, 2018 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
For kids, Halloween is the second most exciting day of the year after Christmas.
For parents, there is a lot to do between last-minute costume adjustments and rushing home early for trick-or-treat time.
As adults and children prepare the costumes, best candy route, and evening plans, below are few safety tips to keep in mind.
For trick-or-treaters and parents
- Before eating the candy, parents should check it for signs of tampering or potential choking hazards
- Make sure the costume is not longer than ankle length and is a good fit, to avoid slips and trips
- Avoid dark costumes, but if they are dark, add reflective tape so that motorists can see them at night
- Opt for face paint instead of masks, which can hinder vision especially when crossing the street
- Bring flashlights when trick-or-treating to ensure better navigation
- Children should only trick-or-treat at homes and neighbors they know and only houses with the lights on
- Tell children not to enter anyone’s homes
- An adult or responsible older child should accompany younger children
- Ensure your child dresses in layers for rainy and/or chilly weather, and keep a hat and pair of mitts/gloves in your child’s treat bag
- Supervise small children when crossing the road, and remind children to always stop and look both ways before crossing
- Children should wait for cars to come to a complete stop before crossing the street at a crosswalk or a traffic light
- Stay on the sidewalk when walking from house to house, and if there is no sidewalk, walk beside the road, facing traffic so drivers can see you
- Children should avoid petting friendly neighborhood dogs who may not recognize them in costumes
- Plan ahead for a meeting spot in case family and friends get separated when out together
- If you are taking your pet out, make sure they wear a reflective leash
For homes
- If you are hosting trick-or-treaters, turn on your porch light and clear walkways of clutter
- Consider lighting your pumpkin with a flameless candle or glow stick
- If you want use a candle, keep pumpkins away from drapes, decorations or other flammable objects
- Keep candles, matches and lighters away from children
- Put the treat bowl higher up and away from pets
- Supervise pets around lit jack-o-lanterns, but also unlit pumpkins because swallowing large pieces of it can lead to blockages in their systems
- Supervise pets when you open the door, as they may get overexcited with trick-or-treaters coming to the door
For drivers
- Drivers are reminded to pay extra attention on the roads as children may be over-excited and run across
- Drive slowly in residential areas where children are more likely to be trick-or-treating
- Watch out for kids, many of whom will be wearing costumes that limit their vision
- Eliminate distractions, such as cellphones or loud music, and stay alert