Halloween Safety Tips

 

 Tips for your Trick or Treat walk 

• Travel in groups.  A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany children on their neighborhood rounds – stay with your group.
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries and a glow stick.
•  Stay on the sidewalk, never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Do not cross the street in the middle of the block or between parked cars – cross at a designated cross walk.
• Walk never run across the street.
• Look both ways before crossing  (a good rule for crossing is to look  left, then  right, then left again).
• Follow all traffic signals.
• Children should carry all important telephone numbers in case of emergency.  Emergency information can be secured discreetly within Halloween clothing or on an identification bracelet (name, address, phone number).
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Only go to houses that are well lit.
• Do not approach any pets that you are not familiar with.
• Children should remain in well populated places and not go into empty or deserted areas.
•  All parents and responsible parties should always know where their children are going.
• Children should never go home with a strange adult or another child.
• Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard while Trick or Treating

 Drivers 

• All drivers should always drive slowly and be alert for all Trick or Treaters .
• All drivers should watch for children in the street and be extra careful entering or exiting driveways.
• All drivers should be patient and careful not to pass another vehicle which may be slowing down for children in the road.
• Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.
• Don’t Drink and Drive.

 Costume Tips 

• Wear bright clothing which has reflective features and that is flame retardant.
• Do not wear any masks  or hats that obstruct or block your vision.
• Do not wear loose outfits, oversized shoes or shoes that you may trip and fall in. Comfortable shoes are the best choice.
• Do not wear any costumes that drag on the ground.

 Treat Tips

• All candy, fruit and treats should inspected by your parents or a responsible adult before eating or using anything.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.  A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, unsealed or suspicious items.
• Never eat unsealed or open food items, fruit  or open beverages that may be offered.
• Fruit is a healthy treat but only eat fruit given to you by your parents.  
• Consider healthy snacks for Trick or Treaters, like low fat and low sugar items in sealed packages, single servings of cheese and crackers, dried fruits, low salt and preservative free popcorns, mini-cereal boxes, UNICEF donations and other non food alternatives. ( ALL snacks should be store sealed).
• Do not give or accept items that have any possible safety hazards.
• Stay away from giving high sugar items, highly salted items, or hard candy that could break teeth or be a choking hazard.
• Don’t eat all the treats that night, space them out over time

 Other Halloween Tips 

• Be careful with all candles and keep them away from any flammable materials (e.g. curtains, paper, etc.).
• Pets may be fearful on Halloween-be careful to  protect them from all possible hazards and avoid giving them chocolate (see:  What not to feed your pets by Dr. Alison Birken)

 Have a Safe, Happy and Healthy Halloween

Posted in: Holiday Articles