Halloween Safety Tips… Make This Halloween SPOOOOKTACULAR!
Halloween is officially less than two weeks away! The U.S. Census Bureau estimates about 40 million kids ages 5 – 14 will be taking to the streets in their quest for treats! Kids can’t wait to put on their costumes and scatter amongst their neighborhoods collecting as much sugary deliciousness as possible, but remember safety should always be the first priority. The last thing any parent wants to experience is a Halloween casualty or problem, especially when it so easily preventable.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night than on any other night of the year. No kid wants to spend their Halloween night in the emergency room. In an effort to help you have a safe and fun Halloween holiday, read the safety tips that I have provided below.
10 Halloween safety tips to make your night spooooktacular:
1. Stay together & go out in a group. It is extremely important to remind your children to always never wonder neighborhoods by themselves. The buddy system will allow kids to have fun but still allow each other to look out for each other.
2. Take an adult chaperone. For children under 15 years of age, make sure there is at least one trusted adult chaperone going along for the trick-or-treat extravagant. Parents and chaperones, remember not to spoil the fun and be low-key. Finding a balance between letting the kids have fun and keeping them safe is the goal.
3. Don’t trick-or-treat alone. Accompany younger children to the door of every single home they decide to visit for sweets and other goodies.
4. Be alert and on the lookout. It is a good idea to be familiar with where you are going to ‘trick-or-treat.’ Pay attention to each of the houses your child visits and be aware of who answers the door.
5. Stick to sidewalks that have street lights. Whenever possible, make sure to stay on the sidewalk and have your Halloween fun in well lighted areas. Drivers will expect you to be walking on the sidewalk not in the middle of the street. You’re less likely to get hit by a car if you follow the law and stay out of the streets.
6. Wear bright clothing. Try to dress your children in reflective clothing so they will be more noticeable at night time. It is also a good idea to give them a flashlight or glowstick to hold or wear around their neck.
7. Obey traffic signals. Pay attention and obey all traffic signals. By knowing what a car is going to do, you can prevent an accident from happening.
8. Never approach a car. Reiterate to your children the importance that they should NEVER EVER approach an unknown vehicle. Even if it looks as though the car is unoccupied or the driver seems friendly, make sure they know to stay away. If a stranger approaches or tries to grab them, tell them to scream and draw attention to themselves. Child abduction or kidnapping happens to thousands of young innocent children every year, so make sure to educate your kids on the risks associated with Halloween fun.
9. Inspect your candy. Look at all candy and make sure it is wrapped in its original packaging in an effort to prevent any harmful or poisonous products. There are some sick and crazy people in the world and it is important to be informed about these types of dangers.
10. Report unusual activities. If you notice anything out of the ordinary make sure to report it to your local police right away. You can never be too careful!
Halloween is supposed to be a night of fun and excitement but things can very quickly go awry. By being prepared and taking the necessary precautions, I guarantee you a SPOOOOKTACULAR Halloween!