Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween will be here before we know it. This is the time of year when all kids and parents should be planning Halloween costumes and thinking about how to stay safe while they’re out trick or treating. Here are a few spooky Halloween safety tips to ensure your family has a fun and safe Halloween.

1. Creep, crawl or walk when you’re out trick or treating; never run.
2. Be sure your costume is the correct length so you won’t trip over it while you’re out trick or treating. Your costume should be no longer than your ankles.
3. Take a flashlight with you and make sure it is on at all times.
4. Only approach houses that have an outside light on. This is an invitation for you to knock at the door for treats.
5. Have an adult accompany you and trick or treat in a group; never trick or treat alone.
6. Never enter anyone’s house for any reason. There’s no need for you to go inside, no matter what the person offers you. Treats should be handed out at the door. If someone tells you that you will get a special treat if you go inside, refuse the offer and tell an adult immediately. You should take note of the street and house number.
7. Never go anywhere with a stranger, even if they tell you that they will give you something special or expensive. This is ruse to get you to go with them.
8. Make sure at least some part of your costume is a bright color and use reflective tape on dark colored clothing and shoes.
9. Never wear a mask; they stop you from seeing properly. Paint your face instead.
10. If there are no sidewalks in your neighborhood, walk facing traffic.
11. Never eat candy or treats while you’re out trick or treating. Take your loot home and ask an adult to help you sort it to assure it hasn’t been tampered with. Throw out all candies and treats that have loose paper or holes in the packaging.
12. Obey traffic signals, cross at corners and use crosswalks when possible. If you have to cross the road, look both ways and be sure there is no traffic approaching.
13. Plan a designated trout for trick or treating and tell an adult where you and your friends are going. Do not change your plans for any reason and don’t visit houses that aren’t on the designated route. Do not take shortcuts or got into alleys or parking lots. Avoid dark places.

Follow the tips in this article, have fun and collect lots of tasty treats. Above all, stay safe. If in doubt, don’t!