10 Trick or Treat Safety Tips

Part of the fun of Halloween is being free to run around your neighborhood, in the dark, while all of your friends are doing the same thing, collecting loads of Halloween candy! Use these tips to help keep your gremlins safe:

1. Halloween costumes should be well fitting and not too long, to prevent tripping. Be sure to try your child's costume on for size prior to the big night. If the fabric falls below the ankle, pin or sew the bottom up higher, to prevent trips and falls. Do the same with sleeves, capes, etc.

2. If your child plans to wear a Halloween mask, make sure it fits well and does not block his/her vision in any way. Smaller children should not wear a mask at all, as they rarely fit well - try accessories or face-painting instead. They will see better and it is usually much more comfortable than a mask for the younger kids.

3. Make sure everyone wears comfortable shoes and goes potty before you set out! Plan on where you will meet if you get separated from your child or group. If your child has a cell phone, have them carry it inside their costume (in case their candy goodie bag is lost or stolen).

4. Each child should carry a size-appropriate flashlight and/or have a 'glow stick' attached to their wrist, on a necklace or fastened to their costume in some way. Dark colors are common in Halloween costumes - it is important to make sure a child can be seen, especially after dark. Reflective tape can also be attached to most costumes and is recommended for greater visibility. This is especially important if you will be crosses streets while trick or treating.

5. Every trick or treater needs his own goodie sack for the loot! Be sure to get a size that easy for your child to carry, even when full. Older children often find a pillow case works well but these may be too long for a smaller child, especially when the start to get full. A shopping bag, an old purse, basket, bucket or tote will also work, depending on the costume. It should have a handle sturdy enough to stand up to several pounds of candy and a lot of swinging around!

6. At least one adult should accompany younger trick or treaters at all times. It is best for children of all ages if they travel in small groups while trick or treating. If the group is extra-large or if there are only one or two adults watching many kids, the buddy system can be helpful. Traveling in groups can be great FUN and is much safer.

7. Remind everyone to follow general safety rules - cross at the corner or crosswalk, stay on the sidewalks, do not walk over lawns or climb fences, do not pet strange animals without permission, and stay with your group, parent or adult. Instruct older children to check in periodically and to keep a close eye on younger children, if appropriate. Younger kids, especially, can become easily disoriented in the dark or if swept up in a large crowd.

8. Instruct your child to never ever enter a strange house alone! Only lighted houses (or those obviously 'open' for trick or treating) should be visited. That said, going inside with a group of children, or accompanied by an adult should be perfectly fine. Darkened houses should be skipped, as keeping one's porch light off is a universal 'do not disturb' sign on Halloween and should be respected.

9. Small children are often confused and frightened by Halloween activity. It can be dark, scary costumes are everywhere, there are a great many people all around, some houses are decorated spookily, and strangers are offering them candy!!

Make sure your child is actually enjoying the event and is not frightened by what is going on around you. If they are uncomfortable, perhaps they would better enjoy handing out candy to trick or treaters, at home, instead. (Make sure to set aside a few of the goodies for your child, if you decide to do this instead!)

10. All candy should be checked over by a responsible adult before it is allowed to be consumed by anyone. Be sure your child knows they must not eat any of the candy goodies they collect without your permission. Treats or candy should be sealed well, still in the original wrapping, is not something they may be allergic to, confirmed it is not spoiled and has not been tampered with. When in doubt, throw it out! Homemade treats or candy should only be accepted from those you know and trust, even on Halloween.

Some communities offer a free 'check' of all Halloween candy 'loot' bags at local Police Stations, Firehouses and/or Hospitals. Check your daily paper or online for sites that offer this service in your community for Halloween.

Happy Halloween Everyone! Stay Safe!