It’s that enchanting time of year again.
Kids love everything magical that floats in with the month of October and Halloween.
Plans for trick-or-treating, parties, haunted houses, costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and candy all become top priorities in many households and schools.
However, for parents, teachers, and community leaders, this fun holiday can also bring more than its share of safety concerns.
This year, make sure Halloween is trick-free.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Attach light-reflecting tape to costumes, shoes, candy bags, or buckets to catch drivers’ eyes. This is especially critical if your costume is dark in color. Glow-in-the-dark sticks, bracelets, and necklaces are especially fun this time of year. Also, be sure to follow all traffic laws in crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street.
COVID & HALLOWEEN
More and more families are returning to the fun routine of actually getting out and about for Halloween and there are some basic tips to keep in mind to continue to prevent the spread of Coronavirus including wearing COVID-19 prevention masks, not crowding front doors, and using hand sanitizer before ripping open that treat in the driveway.
TRICK-OR-TREATING & CANDY SAFETY
Be sure to stay in groups and have children trick-or-treat with a trusted adult. If the kids are old enough to venture out on their own for a bit make sure they know to stay together and only go to homes that have their porch lights lit and to stay in areas they know. Always avoid baked treats from strangers. If it’s homemade, make sure it’s from someone you know and trust, and toss those unwrapped or damaged treats.
CLEVERLY CRAFTED COSTUMES
Choose an outfit that won’t cause safety hazards. Make sure all clothing, accessories, and wigs are fire-resistant or flame-retardant. Use only nontoxic makeup and it’s smart to test it first on a small area. Make sure everyone’s shoes fit well and are tied on tightly. Avoid high heels. Keep costumes above knee height so no one trips or falls, and help avoid contact with lanterns or candles or getting tangled up with bushes or other costumes. All accessories even swords or canes should be short and flexible, and without any sharp points. Make sure they are bendable so as not to cause injuries if any spontaneous pirate sword fights erupt.
HAVE A FUN NIGHT
As you prepare for one of the most exciting nights of the year, remember safety can be just as big a part of the celebration as the goodies. Everyone who ventures out wants to have the best Halloween experience, so keep these time-tested safety tips in mind as you wander from house to house, and have a happy and safe Halloween.
