Halloween Safety Tips

In case your children haven’t reminded you (or you haven’t been to Target in a few weeks), Halloween is quickly approaching! It’s likely your little ones already have their costumes, and you’ve got the candy ready to hand out. In today’s blog, we are going over a few Halloween safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Walk safely

This may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes little ones can get excited and forget basic safety routines. With toddlers and young children, it may be necessary to remind them several times throughout the night to stop at roads, and alleys, and be extra cautious of the vehicles around them. Children and families should only cross the street at stop signs or designated crosswalks. If they are not available, parents should always supervise crossings. This is one of the simplest but often overlooked Halloween safety tips. Both parents and children alike should wear something reflective, whether it be a part of the costume or reflective tape on a trick-or-treat bag. Many neighborhoods don’t have sufficient street lights, and it can be incredibly difficult for drivers to see you. Likewise, if you are trick or treating in a poorly lit area, it is advisable for you, and your child to carry a flashlight with new batteries or one that is well-charged.

Trick or treating alone

According to SafeKids Worldwide, children under the age of 12 should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. This is one of the most important Halloween safety tips. Children over the age should only be able to trick or treat on their own if they are mature and responsible. All children that are trick or treating on their own should be doing so in a group of other responsible and mature children. Regardless of whether or not your child has their own cell phone, they should not be allowed to trick or treat alone without a cell phone to keep in touch with you in the case of an emergency. Parents should also have a plan in place to check in throughout the night and know their child’s whereabouts.

What parents can do

If you are driving on Halloween, be extra cautious while you’re out. Watch for pedestrians even where they are not normally present. Approach driveways, alleys, and intersections slowly and with extreme caution. Eliminate all distractions and keep yourself focused on the road. Following these, Halloween safety tips could save someone’s life. Parents should not allow their children to start trick or treating before 5:30 and have their children off the streets by 9:30 pm. Families should trick or treat in a group or a well-lit, familiar area.