Trick or Treating Safety 101
There are some pretty simple things you can do to ensure your children have a safe and Happy Halloween. The National Safety Council reports that in 2017 there were twice as many children hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Safety is important, especially on Halloween. Here are a few tips and tricks to keeping your little witch or wizard safe on this special night!
Wear Costumes with Color
In the dark of the night, it is difficult to see children wearing dark shades. Opt for a colorful costume, or use reflective tape or glow sticks to make sure your child is clearly visible for oncoming traffic.
Costume Safety Matters
If a child is wearing a mask, ensure they have ample line of vision as they go parading around Halloween night. If masks are obstructing their view, use makeup instead as a good option that still looks just as spooky. Make sure that all hoods, capes or wigs are flame retardant and not dragging on the floor. This can cause tripping and injury. If your child is carrying a prop, make sure it is safe for them and others. When children get spooked or excited they tend to forget that their actions might hurt someone else around them. Avoid sharp objects, heavy items or things that could poke someone else.
Stay Together
We recommend never leaving your young children alone, even with other children. Adults have a better handle on the safety of roads, cars and other events that children might overlook because of the excitement of the night. Go with a group of friends to keep children from getting lost or being left alone. If you have older children that don’t use cell phones yet, use walkie-talkies to keep the lines of communication open throughout the night. Send teens out in groups as well, making sure they have cell phones that are fully charged and working.
Stay off the Streets
Cars and other traffic are the last thing on a little trick or treaters mind. Remind children to look both ways before crossing, or use a crosswalk when available. Try to stick to neighborhoods with safer, less busy roads. If you will be walking alongside a road, use a sidewalk when available. If not, make sure to walk on the side of the road toward oncoming traffic so that you can see any oncoming vehicles clearly.
Check Candy for Opened or Suspicious Items
When children are being given free Halloween treats from strangers, it is also appropriate for a parent to inspect the candy before they dive in. Look for wrappers that are opened or tampered with. Make sure homemade goodies are safe before letting your child have them.
Use Extreme Caution as You Drive
Talk to all the drivers in your home and remind them that on Halloween night, pedestrians are twice as likely to be struck in the street by an oncoming vehicle. Be extra alert and cautious, slow down and watch for any vampires, ghosts or little goblins that might not be thinking about traffic safety.