Halloween is supposed to be spooky, but make sure your Halloween is scary for all the right reasons. Trick-or-treating is fun, but it’s also an evening fraught with danger. Here we offer 20 tips for more fun than fright this trick-or-treat night.
1. Plan Your Route.
Make sure you are familiar with the neighborhood. Use sidewalks, paths, and crosswalks. Avoid backyards, shortcuts, and alleys.
2. Watch The Weather.
A surprise thunderstorm may add to the ambiance of a haunted Halloween, but it will also add slippery walkways, reduced vision for motorists, and a threat of dangerous lightning strikes.
3. Stay Bright.
Keep to well-lit areas (i.e., street lights if possible), and arm kids with glow sticks or flashlights so they can be seen by drivers. Adorn costumes and bags with reflective tape. Only visit homes that have front porch lights on.
4. Stay Outside.
Children should only accept treats on the doorstep – never inside a home.
5. Check Your Child’s Treats.
Remove any candy that has loose or opened wrappers (or no wrapper at all). Watch for choking hazards for young children. Discard candy that has unfamiliar brand names. Remember to check carefully for ingredients that may be allergens for your child.
6. Maximize Visibility.
For children’s costumes, opt for face paint vs. masks. Masks might obscure a child’s vision. Hats, scarves, and wigs should be tied securely so they won’t slip over children’s eyes.
7. Make Costumes Safe.
Choose costumes that won’t cause falls. Shoes should be secure. Hemlines should be well above the ground. Also, choose flame-resistant fabrics. Use non-toxic makeup and test ahead of time on a small patch of your child’s skin. Avoid sharp accessory objects such as pretend swords. Even plastic toys can be sharp or tripping hazards.
8. Accompany Your Kids.
Adults should supervise kids under the age of 12. For kids over 12, make sure they travel in groups and establish ground rules. Know the exact route they plan to take, and turn on their phone tracking. Review with children how to call 9-1-1.
9. Tuck Cell Phones Away.
Cell phones are a great tool for safety, but everyone needs to have their eyes on the road. Keep ringers on, but keep phones in your pockets.
10. Walk, Don’t Run.
As exciting as this night is, try to keep children's energy reigned in for the sake of safety.
11. Be Mindful of Health.
Make sure your child has a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating to discourage eating candy all night long. Make sure your child knows they are not to eat anything until you have checked all the candy at home in the light. Try to ration treats over the days following Halloween. This is a great opportunity to teach your children the importance of moderation.
If You’re at Home Giving Out Candy, Here Are Things You Can Do to Keep Your Trick-Or-Treating Visitors Safe.
12. Lock Up Pets.
Keep family pets away from the front door, for their safety and for the comfort of your guests. You also don’t want an open door to become an escape route for anxious animals. That could become a Halloween nightmare.
13. Clear A Path.
Make sure front walkways are unobstructed to avoid tripping hazards. Sweep wet leaves away.
14. Light Up.
Make sure porch lights are kept on. This will help little goblins see the way and let them know you’re open for business.
15. Fake Your Flames.
Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns to avoid inflaming guests.
16. Offer Non-Candy Options.
Many parents will appreciate non-sugar alternatives such as pencils, bookmarks, stickers, glow sticks, etc.
If you are driving during Trick-or-Treat times, follow these precautions.
17. Turn On Headlights Early.
Most cars have headlights that turn on automatically at dusk, but try to turn on your headlights even earlier.
18. Slow Down.
Drive very slowly and be especially alert for excited children who may dart out unexpectedly.
19. Use Extra Caution.
Be especially aware at intersections and while pulling in and out of driveways, but children also may seemingly appear out of nowhere.
20. Locate Your Car’s Emergency Lights.
Use caution blinkers while dropping off or picking up trick-or-treaters.
