HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR TRICK-OR-TREATING Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided
Kids (and parents) love the magic of Halloween. Walking around at night, in costume, collecting candy, what’s not to love? But there’s many aspects of the evening that get parents feeling nervous, which is why safety for the evening is especially important.
layer up if it’s going to be cold because you don’t want to be frozen in the middle of your trick or treating route!
STAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN Join in on the fun and walk with them, even dress up if you like! At our house we take turns, one person hands out candy for an hour while the other takes the kids out and then we swap. If that’s not an option, maybe try to connect with a group of friends to Did you know only about one-third of parents trick-or-treat together. You might also try discuss Halloween safety with their kids? But to plan to have your kids go out with your keeping Halloween safe is very important, not neighbors, girl scout or cub scout troop, only for the safety of the kids, but also to keep or even cousins. Always make sure there is the magical feeling of the night. Here are a few some sort of adult supervision. tips to help keep your little ones safe while trick or treating this year: In case you do get separated from your CHECK THE WEATHER AND BE PREPARED Chances are it’ll be chilly, and if it isn’t when you head out, it will be by the time you head back as most fall nights are. Make sure to
kids, make sure to review phone numbers, addresses and how to contact 911 in case of an emergency with your kids. Children can easily become lost on a dark Halloween night and these are small and easy 30 / OCTOBER 2020
reminders to practice and are important things to know for every day too. TRICK-OR-TREATING ETIQUETTE Make sure to only visit homes with a porch light on and only approach doors that are well lit. This one can be tricky these days with automatic lights and decor. Use your best judgment and always remind the kids to never enter a home or car for a treat! STAY VISIBLE If your kids are going to be out after dark then blinking LED safety lights are a great addition to the back of their costume or candy bag! Pick them up at any sporting goods store or order from Amazon. Not only will they stand out for you to see, but they’ll also attract the attention of others, keeping them extra safe. Reflective tape is another option that will make your child more visible when added to the back of their costumes or all sides of their candy bag.
