Halloween Safety Tips
Halloween can be scary in more ways than just scary costumes and music. There are many safety risks to consider before heading out on Oct 31st– Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind on Halloween night to keep your little ones safe.
#1 2021 SAFETY RULE is to be sure to follow all public health safety guidelines
To let others know you are following safe Halloween practices during the pandemic you can display a red pumpkin on your costume or at your door. Click here to read more about the red pumpkin campaign
#2 Trick or treating with Toddlers and children under 5
Most toddlers have no idea what is going on and some dislike wearing a costume. As parents, we enjoy watching them dress up in their cute costumes and experiencing some of the excitement that Halloween offers. The best advice is baby steps for toddlers and children under 5 years and follow these tips:
- Head out early when its still light enough for them to see others and to be seen.
- Check out local day time events and avoid the spook.
- Go to homes you know and can guarantee there will not be any scary surprises.
- Your little one will likely enjoy handing out candy just as much as trick or treating.
- Don’t’ forget to remind them to use their manners – PLEASE & THANK YOU.
#3 Costume Safety
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks or flashlights.
- Avoid masks for younger children. It’s better to use face paint to create the effect and allows them to see better.
#4 Safe Treats
- Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
- Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected.
- In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept—or eat—anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.
- Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.
- Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
# 5 When They’re on the Prowl
Here’s a scary statistic to keep in mind: Children are more then twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
- Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk.
- Practice safety rules at home and set clear distance boundaries. Role play and make sure children know the dangers because the excitement of the night and a little sugar can turn a fun night into a scary one if you are not careful.
- Have Fun!
Click here for some fun Halloween Activities to do with your child – even if you decide to stay in for the night!