Every fall, parents set out to create a safe and enjoyable spooky season for their kids. It is, after all, one of the most magical holidays behind Christmas. But it’s also the most dangerous time of year for children who go out trick-or-treating. Here’s a scary statistic: children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night plays a huge factor in the reason for accidents. Now that the magic of Halloween is in full swing again, it’s time to talk about safety. These are the do’s and don’ts for safe Halloween fun that includes both parents and children alike.
Halloween Do’s and Don’ts for Homeowners, Parents and Kids
Follow these simple tips to ensure this fun time of year remains safe for the entire family.
For the homeowners:
• DO: Make sure your home is hazard-free for those kids who will be stopping by.
• DO: Remove anything that could cause kids to trip or fall on your walkway or lawn.
• DO: Keep the lights on outside your house and light the walkway to your door.
• DON’T: Assume your pets will act normal around loads of kids. Make sure they are kept away from trick-or-treaters, even if they seem harmless to you.
For the parents:
• DO: Encourage your kids to use face paint so they can see oncoming cars and won’t trip over any cracks or tree roots when walking down sidewalks.
• DON’T: Let your children wear a mask as it can obstruct their vision, especially when it’s dark outside.
• DO: Make a trick-or-treating plan before you leave the house and ensure you have a strategy if any of the kids gets lost.
• DO: Walk in well-lit neighborhoods. And stay in a familiar area.
• DO: Keep the kids in groups. No matter the age, trick-or-treating should happen in groups, especially if the kids are old enough to venture out without an adult.
• DO: Dump the candy out in a well-lit room and inspect it before you do anything else. Check the candy for homemade treats and discard them if you find any.
• DO: Err on the side of caution if a candy wrapper looks off. And if you believe anything has been tampered with, call the police immediately.
For the kids:
• DO: Remain visible. Carry flashlights or wear glow sticks as bracelets or necklaces so you can be seen at all times.
• DO: Walk on sidewalks on lit streets, and if you have to walk on the street, make sure you’re facing traffic.
• DO: Cross the streets at crosswalks.
• DO: Pair up with a friend so you know to stay together. But you can give a description of your friend’s costume if you get separated.
• DON’T: Walk down any alleys or venture across lawns.
• DON’T: Run or dart across the street as both moves can be tripping hazards.
• DON’T: Assume a car will stop if it’s heading down a street you need to cross.
• DON’T: Eat any candy that has not been inspected.
Happy Halloween From All of Us at Kleinpeter Schwarzberg Boutwell
Halloween is a fun-filled holiday with candy, costumes, pranks and scares. As you prepare for the upcoming holiday, keep safety top of mind to ensure it remains a trick-free time. By following the standard safety protocols, you’ll help keep your kids safe on the spookiest of holidays. Happy Halloween from all of us at Kleinpeter Schwarzberg Boutwell!