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Keep Halloween a Treat for Everyone

Halloween can be scary, but in a fun and safe way. Dressing up in costumes, getting treats and carving pumpkins are all fun Halloween activities. The following tips can help make these traditions an enjoyable time for the whole family.
 

Halloween Night

• Never go trick-or-treating alone. Make sure that there is an adult or a responsible, older youth accompanying young children.

• Know the area you are going to be in. Plan where the trick-or-treating will begin and end.

• Remind your trick-or-treaters of common Halloween rules. Do not approach houses that do not look safe or do not have a light on and do not go inside any homes. Look both ways before crossing the street and walk, do not run, to the next house.
   

Creative Costumes

• Instead of masks, use face paint. Masks tend to get bumped out of place, potentially blocking vision or breathing.  

• Check the length of your child’s costume. If it is too long, it could become a trip hazard. Also pay attention to special details on costumes, especially tails that can get wrapped around a leg or other objects.

• Trim trick-or-treat bags with reflective tape and if your child’s costume is all black or a darker color, trim the sides of it so they will be more visible. Carrying a flashlight will also help drivers to see children better as well as help keep the trick-or-treater from walking where there are hazards.

• Accessories need to be safe. Swords, knives and other items should be made from cardboard or a soft material.
   

The Treats

• Although it may be tempting for children to snack on candy while trick-or-treating, it is better to wait until they get home. An adult should go through the treats and throw out anything that looks as though it has been tampered with or is not in the original packaging. Pay attention to ingredients while you are sorting. Some candy may not be suitable for younger children.

• Accept and give out candy that isn't easily unwrapped.  Candies with twist-type wrappings can be tampered with more easily than those that are sealed.

• Try to stay in an area where you know the people handing out the treats. While most people have good intentions, do not accept home-made treats.
   

Jack-O-Lanterns

• Leave the pumpkin carving to the adults. Children can participate by cleaning out the pumpkin. Painted pumpkins are a fun and creative time for kids and much safer.

• Carve in a dry, well-lit area. You don’t want your pumpkin slipping off of a wet table and potentially injuring someone. 

• Pick your carving utensils carefully. There are special pumpkin carving utensils that have a better handle to grip on to. Do not use extra-long knives because the tip may come out the other side and hit your hand.

 

For more information on Halloween safety…