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As Halloween and Fall festivities get closer, kids get excited about the fun events ahead. However, with COVID-19 and the pandemic, we may have to approach the holidays in a different way than the previous year. Below are some simple steps for a safe Fall season. Whether you are a resident of your community or part of a homeowner鈥檚 association, the following tips may be helpful for you and your neighbors or can be shared with your residents.
Halloween Safety Tips**:
Get ready for trick-or-treaters!
- Make individual goodie bags 鈥 filled with fun-size candy 鈥 to hand out.
- Create and post signs in your yard encouraging trick-or-treaters to stay 6 feet apart.
- Talk with your neighbors about socially distanced options, such as decorating tables and placing them at the end of driveways so kids can grab candy themselves.
- If trick-or-treating is not an option where you live, plan a socially distant costume parade for the kids to partake in and parents to watch.
Heading out?
- Carry a trick-or-treating care pack with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and extra face masks. Use the sanitizer after picking a piece of candy, and help little ones clean their hands throughout the night.
- Remember: Costume masks are not a safe substitute for a face mask. And do 鈥渕ask checks鈥: Stop in a safe place and make sure everyone鈥檚 masks are covering their mouths and noses.
- Keep a 6-foot distance from other groups of trick-or-treaters. If another group is at a door, wait until they鈥檙e finished before you approach.
- Respect the latest guidelines 鈥 such as trick-or-treating hours 鈥 provided by your local health and safety officials.
When you鈥檙e done
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds when you get home.
- Let the candy sit for 24 hours, or sanitize the wrappers, before eating.
- Throw out any candy that鈥檚 open or has torn packaging, an unusual appearance, or pinholes. Toss any homemade items made by people you don鈥檛 know. Follow the rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
Staying home to hand out treats?
- Find ways to keep trick-or-treating hands free. Here鈥檚 an idea: Place wrapped treats on your lawn or driveway 鈥 spread out on a table 鈥 so trick-or-treaters don鈥檛 have to crowd around your front door, touch handrails, or knock.
- Wear a face mask any time you鈥檙e outside and use hand sanitizer often. If you can, keep a large bottle of sanitizer nearby for trick-or-treaters to use.
- By using caution 鈥 and a little creativity 鈥 you can make this year鈥檚 holiday safe and fun.
- Try decorating your protective facemask with a fun, or scary face!
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