While Halloween means peak fun for kids, trick-or-treating also comes with potential for harm or injury. Before your kids take to the streets in search of treats, follow these simple safety guidelines to keep them safe during this most spooky of holidays.
Costumes
What costumes kids wear on Halloween can have safety consequences. Make sure to:
- Choose costumes and accessories that are fire-resistant (remember – there may be lit jack-o-lanterns afoot).
- Choose costumes that are light-colored – it will be easier for motorists to see your kids. Also consider equipping your kids with glow sticks – they’re both fun and highly visible.
- Look out for costumes with potential trip hazards – make sure your kids decked out as caped crusaders aren’t going to trip over those marvelous capes.
- Reconsider the use of masks – masks obscure visibility and can lead to difficulty for kids in seeing traffic or tripping hazards.
Makeup
If your kids are going all out and using makeup as a part of their Halloween getup, make sure to:
- Test the product on a small area first to check for any irritation.
- Remove all makeup after the night’s festivities are through.
Traffic Safety
Remind your kids of basic pedestrian safety before they head out for candy:
- Children have a greater chance of being fatally injured by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
- Emphasize the importance of looking out for traffic, looking both ways before crossing the street, and avoiding any running when in roadways.
Remind Kids to Stick Together
If you’re accompanying your kids, remind them to stick with your group at all times. For older kids who will be trick-or-treating without your supervision, the buddy system is essential. Make sure their phones are charged in case they become separated from their friends.
Remind Kids to Stick to Familiar, Well-Lit Areas
If you won’t be accompanying your older kids on Halloween night, discuss their route in advance and remind them to stay in your neighborhood. Reiterate that they should never enter a stranger’s house or accept a ride from someone they don’t know.
Check All Treats
To be on the safe side, inspect your kids’ candy before they dive in and, if you have very small children, make sure to remove candy that may pose a choking hazard (e.g. gum, gobstoppers/jawbreakers).
Be Mindful of Allergies
There is a surge in emergency room visits due to peanut and tree nut allergies on Halloween. If your child has an allergy that keeps them from eating many kinds of candy, consider giving them a trove of allergy-friendly treats at the end of the night in exchange for their potentially allergen-laden haul.
