HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Trick-or-treating is meant to be fun for children of all ages. As parents, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that that your child not only enjoys going door-to-door, but also is safe while doing so. The number one safety rule we have to offer may seem like common sense, but here it is: Children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Even if you plan to attend a “safe, holloween alternative” in lue of going door-to-door, you need to know where your child is at all times. Anyone can get distracted by the amazing costume walking about, but remember that your first priority is always your child’s safety and wellbeing! Below are some helpful things to remember. Keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive list of safety rules.

Parent or Buddy

You might not remember Trick or treating being anything but fun, but in some cities, it just isn’t safe to let kids wonder the streets by themselves. Make sure an adult always accompanies them. If your not available, check to see if a friend or another family member can.

Cell Phones

If you have decided that your child is old enough to go out alone with friends, make sure they have a cell phone and know how to use it—especially the pre-programed numbers for you. 

Know Their Route

If your child is going out alone, with friend, know the route they’ll be taking. Set rules for checking in with you every hour, by phone or in person. Communicate that they are not to deviate from their planned route so that you’ll know where they will be at all times. 

Costumes

Help your young child choose a safe costume. Many costumes these days are fire proof or at least treated with fire retardant, but it’s always a safe bet to double-check. Make sure they are able to easily maneuver around in their costume, and that the eyeholes in any masks they might choose are large enough for good peripheral vision.

Costume Props

If your child’s costume includes a prop, such as a sword, sticks or or any other type of fighting weapon, take measures to ensure that the tips are not sharp enough to cause injury to themselves or anyone else.

People, Phone Numbers and Locations

If your child is planning to attend an activity, get the details. Know where this activity is taking place, who is hosting it, and how you can reach someone in charge if necessary. If their going to a friends house, introduce yourself to the parents before leaving when you drop them off. 

Curfew

Communicate what time you expect your child to be home by. Tell them to call if they are not going to be home on time.

Proper Behavior

Some kids are focused on “Tricks” more than they are on “Treats.” Make sure your child knows the difference between “funny” and “wrong.” Halloween is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. Their entertainment should diminish someone else’s ability to enjoy a fun and safe Halloween. 

Eat Before You Leave

Make sure your child has eaten a well balanced meal before going out to trick-or-treat. Hungry children might be more tempted to eat their candy before bringing it home for you to check.

Strangers

Teach your kids never get into a strangers cars or talking to strangers, no matter what the person tell them. Explain to them that some adults are just bad people that might want to hurt them.  Clarify that they should never go into someone’s house that they don't know—especially haunted houses. Teach them to scream as loud as they can if they ever feel threatened in any way—and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.

Street Smarts

Make sure your child know how to cross a street properly. Teach them to always look both ways before crossing the street and only cross at corners or crosswalks. If you have younger children, teach them to hold onto the hand of someone older before crossing the street.

Do everything you can to make Halloween a fun, safe and happy time for your kids so that it can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.