Halloween Safety Tips
1. Costumes
Costumes should be made of flame-retardant materials and should be either light in color, or have reflective tape put on it for visibility. Avoid long dresses, skirts or other trailing pieces to costumes, as a child may trip or it may catch onto a neighbor’s porch or bushes. Masks also pose a danger, especially if they are too big or ill-fitting. If possible, design a costume without a mask, using headwear, face paint, make-up, etc. If it is a cool or cold night (as it will be in many parts of the United States) make sure that costumes are large enough to allow for warm clothes, or that warm clothes become part of the costume. Even an excited youngster will grow grumpy and miserable if he is too cold or wet.
2. Preparing Your Home
If you are expecting Trick-or-Treaters, make sure your porch or front door is free of clutter and items that may provide a hazard. If you have prickly roses or shrubbery along your front walk, either prune or tie them back for the evening. Make sure any decorations are not a hazard to visitors as well. If you are using jack-o-lanterns with a “live” flame, make sure that they are out of the way and not likely to be tipped or catch a costume on fire. Jack-o-lanterns look wonderful lined up inside a front window and this makes for a safer choice. If you do put them on your porch or front lawn, consider using electric outdoor twinkle lights to illuminate them. Not only are they safer, but the pumpkins will be less likely to “cook” as with a candle. Last, but not least, make sure your walk and front door are well-lit and any dogs or animals are put away for the evening.
3. Keeping the Kids Safe
An adult should go with children under the age of twelve or thirteen. If older kids are going out, they should go in a group and have designated curfew and/or check-in times. Also, a pre-arranged route and a reminder to watch out for little ones would be in order. Everyone should be required to carry a flashlight, and reminded of basic pedestrian safety rules (cross at intersections, not running across mid-street or between parked cars; walk on sidewalks or along the road edge facing oncoming traffic; and make sure you do head-counts upon leaving a house and street to make sure no one has been left behind.) Visit only homes of neighbors who have their lights on and are obviously welcoming Trick-or-Treaters. Dark houses are off limits. Houses where young adults (or not-so-young adults) are obviously having a raucous party, should also be avoided – especially if there are signs of alcohol and/or drugs.
4. The Loot
It is still advisable for kids to refrain from eating treats until they’ve brought it home and parents can inspect the “haul.” Even big kids should be required to bring their treats home to look things over before digging in. Consider safety in choosing what you’ll collect the candy in – plastic or paper bags with flimsy handles can be a nuisance and a danger – instead consider something sturdier ( a bucket or deep basket) or the good old fashioned pillow-case. A night can be soured by a broken handle and spilled candy, and the sturdier the container – the less likely it is to become caught in something, torn or toppled.
With these few, basic Halloween safety tips, you’ll be well on your way to another fun and festival holiday. All it takes is some preparation and common sense!
