Follow these six Halloween safety tips to keep your kids and family safe and having fun during the festivities.
Halloween Safety Tips for the Family | Enjoy Halloween Scratch-Free
1. Plan a Route
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- Trick-or-treat in a familiar neighborhood
We know, kids have a knack for a little mischief, curiosity, and sense of misplaced adventure. Draw a map of your neighborhood and plan your route with your kids, if you must. Identify the places where they are allowed and not allowed to go. Make sure they bring the map with them when they go hunting for treats.
- Set a curfew
Have them bring a watch so they know when it’s time to go home.
2. Keep Safety in Mind When Choosing Costumes for Your Kids
- Use light colors
Dark-colored clothing is a pedestrian hazard, especially at night when trick or treating occurs. To err on the side of caution, pick costumes made of bright colors. Another plus side is you’ll easily spot them too.
- Avoid tripping/falling hazards such as long dresses, capes, and oversized shoes
Many of us tend to go over the top with our kids’ Halloween costumes. Here’s a Halloween tip: Safety comes first when picking a Halloween costume for kids. Make sure they can move freely and comfortably in their costumes while trick or treating.
3. Avoid Costumes That May Block Vision
Masks, large hats, or anything that may impede your child’s vision should be left at home. Not only will your child be at risk of tripping or falling, but they’ll constantly be adjusting their headgear while carrying their bucket of treats. Spare them those head accessories or save it for them to wear when they’re back.
4. Make Your Kids Visible, Especially to Motorists
- Use reflective stickers on costumes and bags
Reflector stickers can serve two purposes. They can be an added accessory to your kid’s costumes and, they can be for safety.
- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights
Make it fun by having them wear a glow necklace or bracelets along with their costumes. Better yet, let them bring flashlights just in case.
- Always trick-or-treat in groups
Remember, there’s safety in numbers. Pick a group of at least three kids from the neighborhood, make sure these are kids you know personally, too.
5. Never Let Younger Kids Go Out on Their Own
Safekids.org suggests a kid below the age of 12 should be accompanied by adults when out trick or treating. The Canadian Pediatric Society suggests, some kids by the age of 10 can trick or treat on their own with a group of friends.
6. Don’t Let Your Eat Kids Candy That You Haven’t Personally Checked
Remind your kids not to eat any candy before they get home. Small candies can pose choking hazards and some other can cause or trigger an allergy.
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Trick-or-treating is an exciting time for kids, and your Halloween tips and advice for them can go out the window in a matter of minutes. Prepare for trick-or-treating ahead of time and make your instructions clear to them. Ask if they have any questions and keep going through the rules of trick-or-treating to be sure. Better safe than sorry, we always say. Have a fun time planning your Halloween night, mommies!
Do you have any Halloween safety tips for your kids you want to share? We’d love to hear how you keep Halloween safe and fun in the comments below!
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