How To Have A Spooky Safe Halloween

Keeping Kids Safe

by Alicia Smith

From sugared children running around to stressed out parents, there’s a lot that goes into Halloween day. Preparing the kids’ costumes, making sure there is enough candy set out, and prioritizing childrens’ safety. On Halloween, children pedestrians are twice as likely to be involved in a traffic related incident. Keeping your children safe is always near the top of a parents’ priorities and here are some suggestions to keeping your children safe this coming Halloween.

Safe Kids Worldwide suggests:

• Use of glow sticks or reflective tape. Make sure children are visible to motorists and unique enough to be identified from a distance should the child be separated from the accompanying adult.
• Join in the trick-or-treating with children under 12. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Older children should be in groups and taught to utilize the buddy system.
• Cross the street at crosswalks and corners. Only cross the street where it is well-lit and crossing permitted. It is less likely that a traffic incident will occur where a motorist expects there to be pedestrians crossing.
• Go slow and be alert. Traverse crosswalks carefully. Sometimes children may dart into the street on the excitement of Halloween. Motorists might turn on their headlights earlier in the day to make sure they are able to see crossing pedestrians.
• Choose the correct costume size. To avoid tripping, make sure the costume fits the child well and does not drag or have accessories that may trip the child or other children.

Department of State (New York) suggests:

• Choose costumes carefully. There is a lot to consider when choosing a costume with a child. The costume should fit the child well so it does not drag. Avoid masks when possible to optimize the child’s ability to see (make-up can be a fun alternative). Accessories should be chosen carefully as well to avoid choking and tripping hazards.
• Check the candy BEFORE consuming. Adults should check childrens’ candy for allergies and potential tampering. A general rule of thumb is: when in doubt, throw it out.
• Keep lawn walkways clear and traversable. When decorating your lawn, make sure the walkways are clear and well lit so others are not tripping over cords or decorations. To avoid fire hazards, do not overload outlets/extension cords and keep candles/jack-o-lanterns away from flammables.
• Trick-or-treat in well known areas. It is suggested to trick-or-treat close to home or in a safe place, such as a mall. Only approach homes that have lights on and try to stay in well lit areas. Keeping a flashlight with the child will also increase their visibility.

When asked about how some parents keep their children safe on Halloween, many parents said that they used handholding to keep their children close and out of harm’s way. One parent mentioned that they often use child leashes with their toddler and keep a small wagon with them if the child gets too tired to walk, or just to store candy. Another parent says that their family goes as a group and stays in the same well lit block, they dress their children warmly for those cool October evenings; the parent also mentioned that they pay close attention to roads and driveways. All the parents mentioned that it was important to remain alert and vigilant while trick-or-treating.