Halloween is a fun-filled night for kids and parents to dress up as their favorite ghost, goblin, princess, or action hero and set out for bags full of candy. As much fun as the night is there are many safety concerns parents should address to keep themselves and their kids safe. To help make Halloween a trick-free night here are a few safety tips you should follow. 

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Plan your trick-or-treating route

Before heading out to go trick-or-treating, plan the route you are going to take. Talk with your children about where you are going and how many houses you will visit. When out trick-or-treating, stick to visiting well-lit houses in familiar neighborhoods. You also want to be sure to stay on sidewalks or paths as much as possible and avoid walking in the street. If you must cross the street be sure to do so at designated crosswalks, never cross the street between parked cars and remind your children to always look both ways before crossing.

Make your children visible

When trick-or-treating visibility is always an issue. Cars are still on the roads early in the evening and the transition from day to night can make it difficult for drivers to see children in dark costumes. Go trick-or-treating early and always carry flashlights. To make it fun for the kids, have them wear necklaces or bracelets that glow to make them more visible. You should also consider placing reflective strips on the child’s costumes so headlights will reflect off them.

Avoid masks

Wearing a mask is a Halloween staple, but these coverings can obstruct a child’s vision, especially as it gets darker. Instead, consider face paint to keep your child’s vision clear, allowing them to see their surroundings, avoid tripping and easily see oncoming cars.

Inspect your child’s candy

Most parents have heard horror stories of people putting razor blades and other dangerous objects in candy. This was especially prominent in the 1980’s but all reports were eventually discredited. The key dangers when it comes to candy are choking hazards and allergens. 

When your child gets home from trick-or-treating immediately dump the candy out and inspect it. If your child is allergic to peanuts be sure to remove any candy that has nuts. Small hard candies, like Fire Balls, Gobstoppers and other similarly small candies need removing if the child is younger. If any candy has a broken seal, throw it away. Also throw away any homemade treats that your child received from people you do not know.

Halloween is supposed to be a fun night for children to dress up and get some candy. Following these few simple steps will help keep your children safe during the night of ghosts and goblins. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a candy bar or two after the kids go to bed.

 

Bill Herzog is the Director of Operations at LionHeart Security Services in Tempe, Arizona. Herzog has been in law enforcement for over 25 years before joining LionHeart’s staff.