Six Tips for A Safe Halloween

It seems like Halloween is the one night that signals beginning of the holiday whirlwind. While Halloween can be exciting for kids and adults alike, there are a few extra tips in order to ensure that the fun continues.

1. Watch out for cars. Did you know that on Halloween, kids are four times more likely to be hit by a car than any other night? Instruct your kids not to walk between cars, to always watch for drivers and to cross at street corners in groups.
2. Remember candy contains ingredients that cause allergies. Hiding in that delicious candy could be wheat, peanuts or milk — sources of severe allergies for many adults and children. While you’re checking the labels for ingredients, especially when you have a child with allergies, keep an eye out for opened of suspicious candy as well.
3. Make sure you are visible in the dark. Definitely carry a flashlight or glow sticks. Use reflective tape to increase the visibility of your costume or your child’s. And if they resist, you could always make their treat bag extremely reflective or even attach LED lights.
4. Make a plan and run through it. If you’re at the point where your kids are exercising their independence take time to talk over a plan of “approved” routes through the neighborhood. Make certain they agree to follow it. Outline what neighborhoods you’ll start with, where you’ll go and which ones to avoid.
5. Wear comfortable shoes and watch for tripping hazards. This is a pretty obvious one. You’ll be trekking throughout the neighborhood in the dark. Be prepared to deal with curbs, potholes, decorations on the ground and a few miles.
6. Look for porch lights. It may come as a surprise to your kids, but not everyone wants to participate in Halloween. Remind them to “trick or treat” at well-lit homes with their porch light lit. Teach children that a dark house may mean no one is home, or they’ve gone to bed. And finally, remind your children that the same stranger danger rules apply even on Halloween: never go in a stranger’s house, even if they’re handing out candy.

The main thing is to talk to your kids about safety out of the home and with strangers. Now is also a good time to talk about a diet with balance. (They don’t have to eat all that candy in one sitting!) Set limits like two pieces of candy a night only after dinner, or whatever limits you feel comfortable with.

Have fun!