Trick or Treat
October 31st, 4-7 P.M.
Play it Safe This Halloween!
Halloween may be a fun holiday for kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little troublesome. Concerns about children’s safety can cast a spell on the evening’s festivity. But, not to worry! Following a few safety tips will ensure that Halloween will be a “howling” good time for all!
“Unhaunting” Your House and Neighborhood
- Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights.
- Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
- Drive slowly all evening – you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police immediately.
Make Sure Costumes are Safe!
- Check that costumes are flame-retardant so children are not in danger near candle-lit pumpkins and other fire hazards.
- Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls, and other bumps in the night.
- Try make-up instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and possibly obstruct a child’s vision, a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.
- Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on these costumes.
- Pick your costume carefully. Dressing up as a superhero, scary monster, or slimy alien, coupled with the excitement of Halloween, can bring out aggressive behavior. Even false knives & swords can accidentally hurt people. Fake guns should never be used as a costume accessory.
Prepare Ghosts and Goblins for their Tricks & Treats!
- Make sure older kids go out with friends. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult.
- Set a time for children to trick-or-treat. Together, map out a safe route so you know where they’ll be. Remind them not to take short cuts through backyards or alleys.
- Remind kids to never enter a strange house or car.
- Try to get kids to trick-or-treat while it is still light out. If it is dark, make sure they carry a flashlight.
Inspect Those Treats Before Eating Them!
- Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they get home. One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging in while they’re still out is to feed them a meal or substantial snack beforehand.
