Halloween can be a really fun and enjoyable evening, but not all Halloween facts are fun. The harsh reality is this: on Halloween, children are two to four times more likely to be hit and killed by a car than any other day. That is a scary fact. There is potential for injury during Halloween activities, but with these tips, parents can ensure everyone has a safe Halloween.
Trick-or-treating safety
• Children under 12 should not be out alone. They should be supervised by an adult, and if at all possible, traveling in a group. Older children should plan a route with their parents and have an established return time.
• Walk on sidewalks or other paths and make sure to check before crossing any streets.
• Only visit homes with the porch light on.
• Ensure your children are carrying glow sticks or flashlights so that drivers can see them better.
A note to drivers: most children trick-or-treat between 5:30 and 9:30 pm, so slow down and be vigilant if driving during those hours.
Costume safety
• Select a costume that fits well. If your child’s costume is too big, there’s a good chance he will trip and fall.
• Pick out flame-resistant costumes and do not walk too closely to lit candles.
• Use reflective tape on children’s costumes and bags.
• Avoid masks that can obscure their vision.
• Test out makeup first to make sure your child does not have a sensitivity.
• Don’t use over-the-counter, decorative contact lenses.
Pumpkin carving safety
• Allow the kids to draw on the pumpkins, but never cut them. Young children should not handle knives.
• Make sure pumpkins with candles are placed far from anything that may catch on fire.
• Keep matches or lighters stored safely out of reach.
• Candles in a votive is the safest route, but consider glow sticks rather than a lit flame.
Stranger safety
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Do not enter a stranger’s house.
• Stay in familiar areas.
• Do not accept treats or candy that are not factory wrapped.
Food safety
• If you’re going to parties, don’t forget common food safety. Don’t leave food out that needs to be refrigerated.
• Feed your child a meal prior to parties to help him avoid overeating candy and other foods that may lead to stomach pains.
• Have an adult sort through all of the candy once the children are home, and throw out any candies that are unwrapped.
• Finally, ration that candy over the next 30 days.
Have a fantastic, spooky, and safe Halloween!
Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three little ghouls. They enjoy darting into the street and eating too much candy on Halloween.
