Halloween is a fun time of the year for children and their families to go out into their neighborhoods, dressed in costume, and go trick or treating for candy. Trick or treating is a fun activity, but it also poses some safety risks that children, families, and drivers need to be aware of. If you are thinking of going out this year for Halloween, here are some neighborhood safety tips for trick or treating.
Costume Safety Tips
- The costumes and accessories you decide on wearing should all be fire-resistant.
- Place reflective tape on children’s costumes or trick or treating bags. Or encourage them to use glowsticks or flashlights to light their way and to make sure others can see them.
- Only purchase non-toxic Halloween makeup and test the makeup first on your skin to see if an irritation develops before wearing it for a longer period of time.
- Remove all Halloween makeup before going to bed.
- Make sure children’s costumes are the right size for them to prevent trips or falls during trick or treating.
- Dress children for the weather. Dress children in layers if it is supposed to be cold, and pack them with an umbrella if it is going to rain.
- Put your child’s name, address, and phone number on their costume or candy bag in case of an emergency.
- Make sure any masks or accessories are not obstructing their view.
Neighborhood Safety Tips for Trick or Treating
- All young children should be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating.
- Plan a trick or treating route and make sure all children and parents supervising agree with it.
- If you have older children going out trick or treating alone, set a curfew for them to be home by.
- Explain to children how they should never enter a home or car of someone they don’t know.
- Children should travel in familiar, well-lit areas in their neighborhoods.
- Children should always travel in a group when trick or treating.
- Explain the importance of waiting to eat the candy until after a parent has checked all their treats.
- Pay attention to the traffic and no roughhousing near the road.
- Have a phone on you in case of emergencies.
- Carry a flashlight or glow sticks for additional lighting.
- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals, and crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing them to show you they are paying attention.
Driver Safety Tips
- Watch for children in roadways.
- Enter and exit driveways carefully.
- Watch for children in dark clothing.
- Drive slowly.
- Take extra time at intersections.