As kids across the country count down the days until Halloween, parents are scrambling to make sure they’re ready to go with costumes and candy. Trick-or-treating is one of the best parts of being a kid, but walking around the neighborhood in the dark wearing a costume and knocking on strangers’ doors can also be pretty dangerous.
With all the excitement that comes with the holiday, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure trick-or-treaters have fun and stay safe. These tips from the American Red Cross will help do just that.
Pick safe costumes and gear.
- Have kids wear light-colored clothing and flame-resistant costumes.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and give kids a flashlight so they’re easier to see and can see better in the dark.
- Try on costumes before trick-or-treating to make sure they can see properly through masks or headwear.
Never let kids trick or treat alone.
- Little ones should always stay with a parent or responsible grown-up.
- Plan your trick-or-treat route ahead of time and talk about what to do if someone gets separated from the group.
Walk on sidewalks and be careful in the street.
- Walk, don’t run, especially in costumes.
- Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
- Don’t cross between parked cars or cut across yards.
Only trick-or-treat at homes with a porch light on.
- Kids should only take treats at the door, never go inside a stranger’s house.
- Vampires and witches aren’t the only things to look out for, be cautious around animals and pets, too.
Check the candy haul before kids start eating.
- That means no snacking while still trick-or-treating.
- Get rid of loose candy, open packages and items you don’t recognize.
- And then have fun enjoying all that candy!
Source: American Red Cross⠀
Scott's Thoughts:
- Halloween is the one day a year it’s okay to take candy from strangers, kids! And then share it with me!
- Look out for each other. Trick or Treat in groups!
- I hate we live in a world where we have to check the candy.