Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters
Trick or Treat Safety
It’s come to that time of year again. It’s Halloween! A time when little princesses, superheroes, ghouls, monsters and witches come alive in search of that ever-desired Halloween candy! As fun and delicious as this holiday is is, you should make sure your family is still safe. Is your family truly ready for the coming holiday? Get ready for Halloween with these safety tips from Mayo Clinic!
Carve Safely
If your kids are dying to carve a pumpkin, please be careful! Let carving be done by an adult. Here are some safety tips for pumpkin decorations.
Decorations with Markers
Let your young children be a part of the Halloween pumpkin carving fun with the use of washable markers or child-friendly paint!
Use Candles with care
Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects! Use flashlights or battery-operated flameless candles instead!
Get Clever Costumes
From princesses to monsters and ghouls oh my! Whatever your Halloween costume may be, make sure to follow these helpful tips when choosing your costume.
The Brighter, the Better
whether you buy a costume or are creative enough to make one, choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials! If your child goes trick-or-treating outdoors after dark, attach reflective tape to his or her costume. These bright aspects of the costume make it easier to spot your child if you’re far!
Skip the Masks & Limit the Accessories
A mask can obstruct your child’s vision and pointed props may impose safety hazards. Try to avoid pointed props and use kid-friendly make-up instead!
Trick-or-Treat with Care
Get in with the Fun
Accompany trick-or-treaters younger than age 12! Encourage older kids to trick-or-treat with a group of friends, parents or older siblings. Try to pin a piece of paper with your child’s name, address and phone number inside your child’s pocket in case they get separated.
Set Ground Rules
Don’t allow your child to go door to door in an unfamiliar neighborhood. If your child will be trick-or-treating without you, establish a route and set a curfew. Review safety rules, including staying with the group, walking only on the sidewalk, approaching only clearly lit homes and never going inside a home. You may want to give your child a cell phone for the evening should he or she need to contact you.
Stay Safe and Sweet on the Home Front
Plan a Party
Consider planning a trick-or-treat party with a couple of neighbors instead of house-to-house door knocking.
Clean-up
Provide safety for your trick-or-treaters as well! Put away anything that they could trip over such as bikes or garden hoses.
Turn the Lights on
Replace any burned-out bulbs to ensure good visibility at the walkway and front door.
Get safe for the Halloween holiday! For more information on safety during Halloween, click here to find more tips from MayoClinic