Halloween: Trick or Treating Safety

Halloween is such an exciting and fun time that it's sometimes easy for Trick or Treaters to forget to be careful. Soon the streets will be filled with little ghosts and goblins searching for treats. Here are some tips to help make your Halloween a fun AND safe one.

Children should eat at least a light meal before going trick or treating to decrease the desire to snack on goodies before getting home.

Children should not snack or 'sample' while out trick or treating. All treats should be inspected by the parent or responsible adult before allowing children to consume.

Parents should inspect all treats before children are allowed to eat any of them.

Remove any choking hazards for small children such as peanuts, hard candy, etc.

Immediately discard any treats that are homemade unless you know the cook. Any commercially wrapped treats that you are suspicious of having been tampered with should be discarded as well. Look for things such as pinholes, tears, or discolorations.

Never trick or treat alone. It's best to go in groups.

Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Only visit houses where porch lights are on.

Do not enter a house. Accept your treats only at the door or outdoors.

If possible, cross the street at a corner or a crosswalk.

Always look both directions before crossing the street.

Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.

Wear light colored clothing or place reflective tape on costume or clothing.

Equip the little ghosts and goblins with their own flashlights.

Keep your Trick or Treating route on well lit streets and well known neighborhoods.

Walk, do not run.

Children that are old enough to go with friends should have a well thought out, planned route for trick or treating and should also be approved by the parents or guardian. Agree upon a time before children set out on their route as to what time you expect them home.

Stay clear of lighted decorations such as Jack O Lanterns. It's easy to accidentally get a trailing piece of costume too close which quickly turns into a fire hazard.

Have emergency information (name, address, phone #) pinned/fastened inside your child's costume.

If you own a cell phone, take it with you.

Ensure that children know their home phone number and what to do in case of an emergency or suspicious situations.

Talk openly with your children about what you expect from them while trick or treating. Review rules, manners and safety.

If you are expecting trick or treaters to visit your house, make sure you have removed any hazards that someone could trip over.

If driving to your trick or treating area, drive slowly and cautiously in residential areas. Kids will be so excited when trick or treating that they sometimes forget to be careful. An excited, enthusiastic child can dart out in front of a car before you know it.

If driving, make sure everyone is buckled up.

We've reviewed several safety tips to make your scary night a safer one. Use this time before Halloween to focus on safety and get your children prepared for their fun night out Trick or Treating. Have a Frightfully Fun Night this Halloween and be safe!

Sources:

American Red Cross; American Red Cross-October Health and Safety Tips

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC-Family Health-Halloween Health and Safety Tips

Los Angeles Fire Department; LAFD-Halloween Safety Tips