Steer clear of Halloween horrors
Halloween is a magical time for kids, but it’s also a time of year where safety should be as much a priority as collecting candy. Roughly 40 million costume-clad tricksters, ranging in ages from 5 to 14, take to the streets each year in search of Halloween booty. With so much volume in areas across the country on one particular day, and the naivete of this target age group, the responsibility falls on parents and other well-minded adults to ensure Halloween is a safe time for trick-or-treaters. There are measures to take whether you’re manning the door or escorting the troops around town, in addition to general tips to heed.
Scare Tactics
In advance of Halloween, follow this advice.
•Help children choose safe costumes. Pay special attention to hems and footwear – tripping can be a major danger on dark streets.
•Masks can obscure vision. Consider water-based, hypoallergenic face paints instead.
•Stock up on glow sticks or flash lights children can carry. This way they’ll be able to illuminate the way when dusk falls. They’ll also be more visible to other pedestrians and drivers.
•Map out a safe area that the children are allowed to visit. Set curfews. One safe option is to trick-or-treat at a shopping mall, where store owners often oblige candy-seeking children.
House of Horrors?
While a home can be decked out to fit with the Halloween theme, it should also be safe enough to welcome visitors to the door.
•Take the time to identify and remove tripping hazards leading to the doorway.
•A spooky appeal is one thing, but your front door and walkway should be well lit enough for trick-or-treaters to make their way safely.
•Animals may be extra jumpy or weary on Halloween. Keep your pets locked safely in another room so they won’t lunge for the door, or get outside.
•Consider purchasing non-food fun treats as a safe alternative to sugar-laden candies.
• Keep a first aid kit fully stocked and nearby. It is also a good idea to learn CPR and The Heimlich Maneuver as an extra precaution for children who are gobbling up treats en route to your door.
Haunting the ‘Hood
It’s easier to control safety at home, but while out and about, there may be inadvertent dangers.
•Explain that children should remain on the sidewalk or illuminated paths. They should know the danger of darting out into the street or across driveways and alleys.
•Obey all local traffic and pedestrian regulations, such as crossing at crosswalks.
•Assign a chaperone, either you or an older sibling, who can accompany younger children. Don’t let young kids go out alone.
•Children should not enter the homes of strangers. Be sure they are aware of this rule.
•Inform children not to indulge in their treats before they get home.
After the Pillaging
Once trick or treating is over, the safety measures continue.
•Treats need to be thoroughly checked by an adult when children get home.
•Divide up the candy so that it can be enjoyed over the course of days following Halloween.
•Make sure treats are age-appropriate, and keep candy out of the reach of young children. Some may pose a choking hazard.