With Halloween just a few days away it's time to do a refresher on trick-or-treating safety. These reminders are for everyone - parents, trick-or-treaters and homeowners. By being proactive, we can all help the kids have a safe and fun Halloween.
Homeowners:
- Put your front lights on so that trick-or-treaters know they are welcome.
- Make sure your front steps or walkway are well lit.
- Remove from walking paths anything that may cause trick-or-treaters to trip.
- Give the children only wrapped candy unless it is someone you know well.
- Consider giving out something healthy such as pretzels, yogurt-covered, dried fruit or even a non-candy item such as stickers or pencils.
- Don't use candles in jack-o-lanterns that will be placed where people are walking. A flowing costume could easily catch on fire.
Trick-or-Treaters & Parents:
- Make sure that everyone takes a potty-break before leaving your home. This will avoid the need to ask a stranger if you can use their bathroom.
- Double-check your town's trick-or-treating curfew so that you aren't out later than reasonably allowed.
- Whenever possible, have children wear snug-fitting, flame-resistant costumes.
- Stay in a group. Never allow young children to go out alone and explain to them that they should never enter anyone's home without their parents' permission.
- Make sure your child carries a flashlight or a light up necklace/bracelet so that they can see where they are going and can be seen by those around them.
- Use reflective tape on costumes and/or Halloween treat bags so that drivers can see you.
- Only go to the homes of people you know.
- Firmly instruct your children not to eat anything in their trick-or-treat bag until you get home and have had a chance to check it for them.
- Instruct your children to stay within your sight at all times and to always wait for an adult before crossing the street.
So, what fun or scary characters are your kids (or maybe even you) planning to be? Let us know. We'd love to hear your exciting and creative ideas!
Allison is a mom and Disney Vacation Specialist. She has traveled to Disney more than 30 times and loves to help other families plan magical vacations. You can get even more tips on her website Magical Memory Planners. She helps clients all over the US and would love to help your family, too!
