Home Tip Tuesday: Trick or Treating Safety Tips

Make sure children can be seen easily and costumes are safe this Halloween.

Halloween is a very exciting holiday for children.   Unfortunately, costumes, candy, and holiday tricksters can add an element of danger to this night. Use the following tips as guidelines for a fun and safe Halloween experience. 

Costumes:
  • Make sure children can be seen easily by adding reflective tape to costumes or giving them a flashlight or glow-stick to carry.
  • Evenings get chilly when the sun disappears.  Make sure they have jackets, mittens, etc.
  • Choose face make-up rather than masks so nothing will obstruct their vision.
  • Make sure costumes aren’t too long to avoid tripping and falling.
  • Use flame retardant costumes.
  • Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye exam and a prescription from an eye doctor.  Otherwise, serious eye disorders and infections can occur.

Trick or Treating:
  • Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.  Older children should follow a pre-determined specific route and time to return home.  Checking in with a cell phone periodically is also a good idea.
  • Cross street in a group at corners and established crosswalks.
  • Only go to homes with porch lights on.
  • Always use sidewalks or pathways.  If there are no sidewalks walk facing traffic.
  • Watch for cars that are turning or backing up.  Be extra alert as drivers may not easily see you.

Treat Control
  • Have a healthy dinner before going trick-or-treating.  This may stop children from filling up on candy.
  • Wait until back home to sort and inspect treats.  Throw out any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
  • Be aware of food allergies and remove any treats with the offending ingredient.
  • Ration the Halloween candy in the following days/weeks so children (and adults!) don’t overindulge.

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