Be Safe on Halloween
Halloween is a wonderful holiday filled with so much imaginative spirit and wonder. For kids, it's the ultimate sweet day; who wouldn't be excited about getting free candy? While we know there's a lot of exhilaration in the air, make sure you slow down and put safety first. Here are 20 very important trick-or-treating tips you should all follow.
1. Always Have Eyes On Your Little One
If you're trick-or-treating with children under the age of 12, it's incredibly important you never lose sight of them. They're going to be caught up in all the festivities and excitement, so it's up to you to keep them safe. Don't let them wander off on their own!
2. Visit Popular Neighborhoods
Because trick-or-treating is done during the darker hours of the evening, make sure you visit popular areas where you know others will be around. No one wants to bring their kids to a desolate, creepy neighborhood where no candy (or a single soul) can be found.
3. Dress In Brightly Colored Costumes
We know some costumes call for dark clothing, but we highly recommend parents dress up their youngins in bright colors. This makes it easier to spot them in the dark, but it also helps other pedestrians and drivers notice them too. It's all for safety!
4. Make Sure Costumes Are Well-Fitted
Loose and baggy costumes might sound more comfortable, but when it comes to safety, it's best to avoid them. After all, you don't want your toddler tripping over their clothes or getting caught on random branches hidden in the dark. Just make sure they're not swimming in clothes!
5. Prepare Warm Clothing
Halloween is held on the last day of October meaning it's already well into the cold season. We know your kids will want to show off their amazing costumes, but health comes first. Make sure they're well prepared with warm jackets and some gloves and scarves so they don't freeze outside just for candy.
6. Carry An Umbrella
We'll knock on wood before stating this but there's always a chance your Halloween night might be spoiled by a little rain. That doesn't mean you have to cancel your trick-or-treating plans though! Just prepare umbrellas so everyone can stay dry. Don't want anyone catching a cold on such a fun day.
7. Walk Up To Houses With Your Kid
Don't get lazy while you're on kid patrol. As your trick-or-treaters walk up to houses, go with them! It's best that you stay close by their side should they need you at a moment's notice. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
8. Don't Accept Any Homemade Treats
While the gesture is sweet, it's not a good idea to accept any homemade treats from strangers. Whether you're concerned about allergies or possible tampering, it's best to just politely turn them down. Teach your kids to only grab store-bought, unopened candy.
9. Double Check Candy Wrappers
Before your kids dig into their massive stash, you should double check all the candy first. Make sure none of the wrappers have been damaged and that everything is sealed. Also take this opportunity to remove anything that seems suspicious or unsafe.
10. Only Approach Lit Houses
If you don't see any decorations or all the lights are turned off, just move onto the next house. Chances are the owners don't want to be bothered and it'll help you avoid any potential complications. It also just feels way safer approaching houses that are well-lit for trick-or-treaters.
11. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Don't underestimate how much walking you're going to do on Halloween night. When it comes to getting free candy, trust us, your kids won't hold back. Wear your most comfortable runners so you can keep up with them throughout the entire evening.
12. Carry A Flashlight
In especially dark places, it'll never hurt to have a flashlight handy on you. You never know when a little bit of light might be your saving grace. Besides, it's also great for checking the ground so your little ones don't trip on hidden objects.
13. Never Enter Someone's House
Always inform your kids that they should never enter another stranger's home. "Trick-or-treat" are the magic words that will get you some candy, not an invitation into someone else's house. It's an important safety lesson that you need to make sure they understand.
14. Only Use Quality Trick-Or-Treat Bags
Don't skimp out on getting your kids sturdy trick-or-treat bags or buckets. The last thing you want is all of your kid's candy on the floor with them panicking to pick it all up. Make sure you give them something that won't break and is easy to hold.
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15. Stay Away From Jack-o'-Lanterns
Jack-o'-lanterns are nice to look at but encourage your children not to step too close. There's a flame burning in there and you don't want any potential harm to come their way. Basically, teach them not to stick their hands in places they don't belong.
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16. Opt For Non-Flammable Costumes
Following that point on fire, it's a good idea to purchase costumes that aren't flammable. Should a part of their clothing get caught in a jack-o'-lantern, you don't want any risk of it going up in flames. It's an overlooked precaution you should consider.
17. Avoid Hard-To-See Masks
We know kids love wearing masks that make them feel like they've transformed into someone else, but on Halloween night, we'd advise against it. The darkness already makes it difficult to navigate, so don't make it harder for your kids by blinding their vision even further.
18. Stay On The Sidewalks
Your kids might get carried away in all the fun, but make sure they remember all their road rules. That includes staying on the sidewalks, walking in the most inner part if possible.
19. Have Your Game Plan Ready
Instead of wandering into areas around town you're not familiar with, stick to places you know. If anything, you should prepare your game plan with your kids before the big day. That way everyone knows where you're headed and what areas you'll be in.
20. Have A Safety Plan Your Kids Can Follow
Whether it's planning a meeting point your kids are familiar with or having them hold onto contact cards should they get lost, it's always better to plan ahead. Creating safety plans will make you feel more reassured knowing your kids are prepared if anything happens.
