Halloween can be one of the most exciting nights of the year—especially for kids. But in the excitement, it’s easy to lose sight of practical safety measures that we may think of every other day of the year.
Adhere to some of these trick or’ treating safety measures to ensure your Halloween night is fun and worry-free!
Watch where you walk.
Make sure to stay on sidewalks and in low-traffic areas.
Don’t let them go it alone.
It’s best to accompany children under 12 while trick-or-treating.
Practice proper costume safety.
Avoid anything completely black or hooded, and consider putting reflective or glow-in-the-dark paint on bags and costumes. You can also incorporate glow sticks into the costume, or hold them for extra visibility.
Dress comfortably.
Comfortable shoes and trip-proof costumes are a must.
Avoid harmful paints and materials.
Face paint is a better option than a mask, which can impede your child’s vision, but if the paint is loaded with harmful chemicals, it’s best to leave it at the store.
Drive carefully.
Peak trick-or-treating hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Drive slowly through residential areas, and be cautious during those times.
Candy check.
This tip is a no-brainer, but be sure to check your child’s candy before he or she eats it and discard anything without a wrapper or that may have been tampered with.
“Stranger danger” rules still apply.
Even if you’re only trick-or-treating through your neighborhood, explain to your child that the same stranger rules still apply and to never step inside a person’s home, even if invited.