Halloween is such a fun holiday for kids, but it can also be a dangerous one if you’re not careful. From dealing with costume decisions to carving jack-o-lanterns, your kids have the opportunity to come across a ton of hazards during the holiday. As your kids travel the neighborhood in search of candy, keep these tips in mind for a safe Halloween.
Avoid Hazardous Costumes
Using a little bit of common sense when picking your child’s costume can go a long way in preventing injuries on Halloween. Make sure their costume fits properly and make any necessary adjustments (like hemming dresses or pants so your child doesn’t trip) before the big day. Next, check to make sure the costume’s mask or hat doesn’t obstruct their vision. Finally, take a look at any props that go along with your kid’s costume to ensure they won’t cause any unwanted injuries.
Practice Street Safety
As you kids travel throughout the neighborhood trick-or-treating, it may be difficult for them to remember the rules of the road amid all the excitement. The best way to ensure your kids remember how to be safe on the street is to remind them of the rules before you head out. In addition to telling them to look both ways before crossing the street, it’s also a good idea to remind your kids to stay on sidewalks and paths and cross at designated cross walks. To really ensure their safety when they need to cross the road, you could also suggest that they make eye contact with drivers on the roadway before crossing to make sure the driver sees them.
Make a Plan
Before heading out for trick-or-treating, map out your route and discuss your plan with your family members. Creating a plan for trick-or-treating will ensure that your kids stay in familiar territory and will help them stay safe outside by discouraging them from zigzagging back and forth across the street. Your plan should also include a meeting place within the neighborhood in case someone get separated from the group.
Practice Pumpkin Safety
Carving pumpkins can be a fun Halloween tradition, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Let you kids get in on the fun without handling sharp objects by giving them the chance to draw on the jack-o-lantern’s face before it gets cut. Your kids will also have a blast cleaning out the pumpkin seeds before the pumpkin gets carved. And don’t forget to safely light the jack-o-lantern after it’s carved. If using a candle, never leave the pumpkin unattended. For a safer option, consider using a flameless candle or flashlight to illuminate your pumpkin on Halloween night.
Plan Your Route
Before heading out for trick-or-treating, map out your route and discuss your plan with your family members. Creating a plan for trick-or-treating will ensure that your kids stay in familiar territory and will help them stay safe outside by discouraging them from zigzagging back and forth across the street.
Set a Meeting Place
Your trick-or-treating plan should include a meeting place within the neighborhood in case someone get separated from the group. Choose a neutral spot where that everyone can remember and head there the second you notice someone is missing.
Practice Pumpkin Safety
Carving pumpkins can be a fun Halloween tradition, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Let you kids get in on the fun without handling sharp objects by giving them the chance to draw on the jack-o-lantern’s face before it gets cut. Your kids will also have a blast cleaning out the pumpkin seeds before the pumpkin gets carved.
Stay Safe When Lighting Your Jack-o-Lantern
Don’t forget to safely light the jack-o-lantern after it’s carved. If using a candle, never leave the pumpkin unattended. For a safer option, consider using a flameless candle or flashlight to illuminate your pumpkin on Halloween night.
Say No to Strangers
Remind you kids that strangers can still be dangerous, even if you’re walking with a group of strangers as you trick-or-treat. Help them keep in mind that they should never go anywhere with someone they don’t know.
Check the Candy
If you’re trick or treating with younger kids, be sure to check their candy for choking hazards before dolling it out to them. It’s also a good idea to throw away any candy that is unwrapped or opened to avoid any possible dangers.
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