Wow, its hard to believe it, but Halloween is almost here, and is a great time to be a kids and a great day for children. However, it is also a day in which caution and safety should be taken. Here are a few tips every parent should think about thi, some of which have been recommended by the National Safety Council.
- Make sure that a parent or guardian accompanies the kids when they go out trick-or-treating.
- Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
- Only visit those homes in which you know the families.
- If you have older kids who are going out with friends, instruct them to stay within the neighborhood, and to walk along a well lit route
- Remind them to look both ways when they cross the street. Kids who wear dark clothing are especially vulnerable to drivers who cannot see them at night.
- If your child is going out with a group of other children, ensure that his or her name, address, and telephone number is tucked inside his or her pocket. This is just in case they get separated from the group.
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
- Check for any holes in candy or candy bars or partially open candies. Throw out baked goods that are homemade, unless you know the origin.
- Do not cross yards and lawns where they cannot see objects or come across uneven terrain can cause them to fall.
- Don’t accept any rides from strangers or talk to them either.
- Avoid pets you don’t know.
- After your kids bring home their treats, inspect everything in their treat bag.
- Always know where you are.
- Treat bags carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
- Walk; do not run, from house to house.
- Masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision. If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
- Give your kids a time when they should return home.
- Advise your kids not to eat any treat before they come home.
- Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Have fun this Halloween, but stay safe. From all of us here at More4kids Happy Halloween!!
Should children trick-or-treat with a parent or guardian?
Yes. The National Safety Council recommends that a parent or guardian accompany younger children throughout trick-or-treating. Older children going out with friends should stay within the neighborhood, walk well-lit routes, carry their name, address, and phone number in a pocket in case they get separated, and have a set time to return home.
How should I inspect Halloween candy before my kids eat it?
Check every piece before allowing your child to eat it. Look for holes in wrappers, partially opened packaging, or any candy that has been tampered with. Throw out any homemade baked goods unless you know exactly who made them. Wash all fruit and slice it into small pieces before eating. When in doubt, throw it out — no piece of candy is worth a trip to the emergency room.
How can I make sure my child is visible to drivers on Halloween night?
Avoid dark costumes if children will be out after sunset. Treat bags should be light-colored or trimmed with reflective tape so drivers can spot them. Remind kids to walk on sidewalks and to face traffic if no sidewalk is available. They should always look both ways before crossing the street and walk — not run — from house to house to stay in control and visible.
What costume safety tips should parents know for Halloween?
Masks can block a child’s vision and increase the risk of accidents. If your child wears a mask, make sure it has large eye holes and openings for the nose and mouth. Consider face paint as a safer alternative. Costumes should fit well so children don’t trip on hems or loose fabric. Kids should also be reminded not to enter any home or apartment without adult supervision, and never to accept rides or conversation from strangers.
