Trick-or-treating is a fun activity with roots that go back to the ancient Celts, but it can be a little scary to let your kids roam the streets at night to take candy from strangers.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can keep trick-or-treaters safe while still encouraging them to have fun. Here are some ideas:
How do you keep kids safe trick-or-treating?
1. Make sure kids under 12 have adult supervision
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, it’s best for trick-or-treaters under the age of 12 to be accompanied by an adult.
If your child is old enough to be out on their own, make sure to talk to them about safety before they go and plan on a time for them to be home. They should stick to familiar, well-lit areas and be careful about crossing the street. Trick-or-treaters should also never enter a home — the farthest they should go is the front porch.
2. Trick-or-treaters should be clearly visible
Sure, vampires are creatures of the night, but if your kid’s Count Dracula costume is too realistic, you might lose sight of them — and drivers might, too. Consider purchasing glow stick necklaces or bracelets or adding reflective tape to the edges of their costumes to make them stand out.
Additionally, kids and any adults accompanying them should carry flashlights to not only make them visible but help them navigate darker streets.
3. Pick comfy and safe costumes
Apart from visibility, there are other safety factors that you can think about when choosing your child’s costume. For instance, the Red Cross warns that face masks can impede a child’s vision, so it’s best to use face paint instead.
Costumes should also fit your child properly — you don’t want any tripping hazards or fabric that could get caught on something.
Finally, make sure the costume is appropriate for your area’s weather. You don’t want your kid to be sweltering, but they shouldn’t be shivering, either. Few things can ruin a Halloween costume as fast as a snow coat, so consider having a backup plan for a jacket that matches your child’s costume in case it gets cold.
4. Stay on the sidewalk
Although Halloween is a big night for pedestrians, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to walk in the street. Stick to the sidewalk whenever possible, and try to stay in well-lit areas. If you do need to cross the street, cross only at street corners (no jaywalking!) and look both ways.
Additionally, make sure kids are walking, not running, from door to door and when crossing the street.
5. Check treats to avoid tricks
While the stories of razor blades in candy bars are urban legends, per The Washington Post, an adult should still check trick-or-treaters’ hauls after they get home.
Make sure you recognize the brands of candy and that all packages are unopened. Remove any potential choking hazards and keep an eye on children while they eat — children under 5 are especially susceptible to choking, per the New York health department.
Other ways to keep Halloween safe
Even if you aren’t trick or treating, there are things you can do to help those who are stay safe. Be extra cautious while driving on the night of Halloween, and drive slower than usual on neighborhood streets in case children cross the road. If you’re planning on handing out candy, make sure you check your candy bowl for any loose pieces or opened packages and throw those away, and make sure your porch and the walkway leading up to it are well-lit.
Have a happy (and safe) Halloween!