Halloween is coming up quickly and all over neighborhoods scary displays are beginning to appear. It is a time of year that all kids look forward to. As parents we know the torment of watching them go back and forth on deciding what costume they will wear. Will it be a fireman or a super hero, a princess or a ballerina, and even a zombie or a jedi. What they wear has more to it than just the costume, safety needs to be considered. Here are some Halloween safety tips to help make this year a little safer.
Plan Your Route
The act of going out on Halloween is likely going to cover many streets. Take a few minutes to plan your route taking in account the length of the journey, dark unlit areas, parks and busy roads. Once you have your route ensure that it is known so that in case of emergency you are not hard to locate.
Visibility
When you’re heading out after dark, being seen is the highest priority in safety. Wearing light-coloured clothing, using reflective stickers or tape, and carrying flashlights or glow sticks or flashing necklaces are all ways to be seen in the dark. Most drivers keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters, but anything you can do to be seen makes their job easier and keeps your kids safer.
Length of Costumes
Face it, the kids are going to run. Reduce the risk of tripping and falling by not having full length costumes. This will also help increase the life of the costume for the next year when a younger sibling wants to be just like their big brother or sister.
Lose the Masks
Masks may look cool and scary but they are a huge safety risk. They reduce the wearer’s ability to see and some can make it hard to breathe comfortably.
Be Careful of Props
Try to avoid costumes that have weapons as accessories. But if your child’s costume won’t be complete without a weapon, make sure it is rubber or plastic. Choose a prop that won’t cause injury to your child or their friends.
Avoid Stray Animals
The candy and noise can attract animals. If you come across any stray animals or wildlife it is best and safest to avoid them. You do not know what they are like or apt to do.
Check the Candy
As much as your kiddies will protest and want to dig right into their haul of candy, check it. You do not want to become one of the horror stories that you see on the news. It is best to get rid of any of the following:
- Any candy with an unusual appearance or discoloration
- Candy with tiny pinholes or tears in the wrappers
- Unwrapped candy
- Homemade items
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