Children love Halloween: Trick-or-treating, classroom parties and trips to a neighborhood haunted house. But for moms, dads and grandparents, there is a fine line between having Halloween fun and being concerned with safety. This Halloween season, be sure to follow some simple Halloween safety tips when going trick or treating to maximize your fun and safety:
• Make sure your child or grandchild’s costume fits properly. If they wear a mask, make sure they can see clearly and their view is not obstructed. . If the costume has a cape or a long flowing gown, make sure they won’t get tripped up.
• Make sure accessories like swords are soft and flexible so no one gets hurt tripping or pretend fighting.
• Only go to familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
• Young children should always be accompanied by a trusted adult – parent, grandparent, or guardian. Always walk with them to the door and don’t enter a home unless you know and trust the owner.
• Older children should trick-or-treat with friends and stick together.
• If children are trick-or-treating at night, put reflective tape on their costumes, and have them carry flashlights or glow sticks.
• Consider giving your child a cell phone to carry when trick or treating. Make sure they know your home phone, cell phone, and address so they can call you if you get separated.
• Teach them how to call 911 if there’s an emergency.
