Halloween Safety Tips
With Halloween approaching, it’s time to get prepared! Children love the excitement that comes with Halloween, but many fail to realize how susceptible they are to the dangers. As parents, we all want our children to have a good time, but it’s our job to keep our children out of harm’s way. Here are some important tips to follow before you and your child get started with the Halloween shenanigans!
TIPS:
1. Pay attention to the road
Halloween is a major holiday for car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety, deadly accidents caused by drunk drivers were more prevalent on Halloween than on New Year’s Eve. When out on the streets, never assume you have the right of way because many drivers still have difficulty seeing trick-or-treaters, be sure to use the sidewalk as much as possible, and always carry a flashlight.
2. Plan your night ahead
Check the weather forecast and plan your costumes accordingly. Trick-or-treating also requires a lot of walking, so make sure you and your child wear comfortable outfits. Decide on where you and your child want to go and set a curfew because staying out too late can be unsafe.
3. Travel in groups
It’s safer to go trick or treating with a group than it is to go alone. Consider going a with a friend, neighbor, or fellow parent. Even if you consider your child to be at a mature age, insist on going with at least three other people. Keep in that mind that groups are also easier for drivers to spot on the road.
4. Home etiquette
When going by a new house, make sure you have the proper home etiquette. Don’t do anything to someone’s home you wouldn’t want done to yours. If your child’s the type to be eager to eat candy as you guys are trick-or-treating, make sure they’re not opening or throwing away wrappers on someone’s property. You can also never be certain if a house is serving treaters or not. Stay away from homes that are not properly lit and seem to be unoccupied. Never enter a person’s home even with their permission.
5. Look at all candy before you eat it
It’s important to look at every piece before you eat it. Make sure there isn’t any sharp objects, and abnormal scents, coloring, or marks, if your child has a case of severe peanut allergies, make sure to look at every candy they have, especially chocolates. Hard candies are also considered a choking hazard.
