Halloween Safety Tips for Parents and Children

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for most children who get to be someone or something different by dressing up in fun, scary and playful costumes, not to mention the loads of candy collected from others in the neighborhood.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to be vigilant on this holiday in order to prevent accidents or other incidents which may harm your child.

Below are several safety tips for you and your child, so that Halloween is kept safe and fun for years to come!

Costumes
There are several things to consider when choosing your costume including:

1. Make sure to purchase a flame resistant costume, or material if making your own.
2. Make sure it is the appropriate length. You do not want a costume too long; it could cause a child to trip or fall.
3. Make sure your child has some sort of reflective safety band, glow stick or light so that they are visible to cars and others.
4. Make sure their bag is labeled so that they do not get it mistakenly mixed up with someone else’s if it is momentarily sat down.

Trick or Treating in the Neighborhood

1. Again, make sure your child wears a reflective band, tape or carry a flashlight so that they can be seen by drivers and anyone else.
2. NEVER let your kids trick or treat alone. Always make sure children are accompanied by at least one adult. If you are unable to take your kids out for the night, check with the neighborhood committee to see if there are any groups your child can go with, or ask someone else (an adult) in the family or a trusted adult friend. Also, if your child goes with a group, make sure to tell them they are to stay with the group and to NEVER wonder off. Also, stress to them to never accept a ride (or candy) from anyone outside of the group, even if they know them. STAY WITH THE GROUP!
3. Never accept candy from a stranger in a car or on the street. You should also stick to your neighborhood and visit only the houses of people you know. Most people who have the porch light off, are indicating they do not want to be disturbed, so skip these residents.
4.  Never enter a house of someone you do not know. Honestly, it’s probably not a good idea to enter, even if you do know the person, without the child’s parent present. It’s a known fact that most children who are abducted or sexually abused are often victimized by people they know, family friends and relatives.
5. Never try and take shortcuts thorough paths or backyards, stick to well lit roads and sidewalks, even if it is still daylight out.
6. Try to do your trick or treating early, before sundown if possible.
7. Always look both ways before crossing the street and walk, DON”T run! Your costume could cause you to trip and an oncoming car could not see you and well.. Let’s just say, you could be the victim of a terrible tragedy!
8. If you or your child come across lit jack o lanterns, stand back, the flame could possibly touch the bottom of the child’s costume and catch fire if not flame resistant.
9. Always try to take a cell phone or have enough change to use a payphone in case of emergencies.
10. Plan a curfew or time for your child to be home, and let your parents know, if going with someone else, what route you will be taking. This should be preplanned before going out so that if the child is late, the parents can retrace your (the child's) steps.

Check the Candy
ALWAYS examine the candy before eating it. Make sure you tell your kids not to eat or sample any of it until you, the parent, can inspect each piece. The candy should be examined CAREFULLY, as kids have been known to be hospitalized from tainted Halloween candy, in the past. As much as we don’t like to think about it, there are sick people out there who enjoy hurting others, and we must do what we can to make sure our children are safe and do not fall victim to these sick individuals.

If your child is a bit older, a teen, and plans to go out with friends, stress the fact that vandalism is a crime punishable by law and all forms of vandalism is UNACCEPTABLE! Vandalism includes, but not limited to,  throwing eggs at cars and people, knocking over mailboxes, destroying pumpkins and other property, spray painting property, toilet paper “rolling”, etc. It’s not right, even if you think you can get away with it, and stress to them, “how would you feel if it were you, or your family, that fell victim to vandalism? Halloween is suppose to be fun, for everyone, so don’t spoil it for someone else.

Also, Halloween is used as an excuse for people hurting or sacrificing animals, especially cats. Animal abuse is a harsh crime punishable by law, and is EXTREMELY UNACCEPTABLE!! No one should EVER hurt an innocent helpless living creature.
If you know of or witness this type of behavior, you should report it to the authorities, such as your local police department.

Some of these Halloween Safety Tips are common sense, and should be carefully reviewed with your children before commencing your holiday celebration. As a parent it is your responsibility to make sure your children understand the dangers lurking about on this haunting night, and how to keep safe and have good clean fun. Teaching your children how to be safe and responsible can be a rewarding feeling to all parents and a reflection of  the care and love for your children.

So to all my readers; Have a fun and safe Halloween!