Halloween safety is one of those topics that makes kids and parents, alike cringe. Kids don’t want to think about it, and parents can’t stop thinking about it. What is meant to be a wholesome night of zombies, ghosts, superheroes, and candy can be a source of danger. Between predators and strangers who put nasty stuff in candy, Halloween safety is something that cannot be over promoted.
Halloween safety is an important topic for both kids and adults, because in this day and age every member of the family needs to be careful! In fact I hear so many Moms and Dads saying we won’t even take our kids out any more that it is shocking. Many do Malloween, Halloween indoors at the mall instead. If you are one of the families that still enjoys old fashioned Halloween then this is for you.
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Halloween Safety for Kids
Let’s start off with safety tips for kids. After all, they’re the most vulnerable. Not only do they inherently trust, they are also physically smaller than adults and often easy targets.
No Solo Trick or Treating
Never ever let your kids go trick or treating on their own. I know this seems like a no brainer, but I have had kids show up at my home looking for candy without parents. It doesn’t happen off anymore, but I recall Halloweens in our old house where occasionally a child would show up with no parent that I could see. An adult still needs to be near by, even for tweens. That’s the safest way.
Check the Candy
Remember when razors in the candy was making national news several years ago? Halloween Safety 101 always features checking candy. NEVER eat candy that has the slightest appearance of being tampered with or unwrapped. Remind your kids of this one often.
Add Reflective Material
No matter the costume, it’s always a good idea to add reflective material to costumes. Even if you’re trick or treating in the late afternoon as may municipalities require, reflective material makes it easier for cars to see the kids in their costumes. And in rural areas where people still do old school night time trick or treating reflective material is an even more important part of Halloween safety.
Stick to One Side of the Road
And speaking of Halloween safety and cars, don’t criss cross the road. To begin with, every crossing adds to the chance that you or your child might get hit. Another thing is that children tend to get crazed on special holidays like Halloween so they’ll be even less likely to follow safety rules. Instead of criss crossing the streets, stick to one side and then come back down the other side. This one makes me nuts. Kids get so excited they start to forget the rules of the road. One of us still goes out to be sure nobody forgets and runs across the road unexpectedly.
[tweetthis]Teach your kids not to crisscross the road on Halloween. Stay safe. [/tweetthis]
Halloween Safety for Adults
This list still bears mentioning here. Every holiday and special event can bring out strange behaviour in people. Even adults have to watch themselves on Halloween.
Don’t Just Throw Open the Door
When your doorbell rings on Halloween, don’t just throw it open expecting kids. These days, you can’t be sure who’s on the other side of the door. Practice good Halloween safety, and check the peephole before opening the door. If you don’t have a peep hole, crack the door prior to opening to check for any shenanigans. Don’t leave your home unattended. Someone is liable to vandalize, even out of anger that nobody is home.
Keep Your Cool
Along the same lines of an explosion of crazy people is this Halloween safety tip. Keep your cool. Should you encounter a parent who is clearly looking for trouble – and they’re out there – whilst trick or treating keep your cool, and continue on. The last thing you want to be is a featured story on the evening news.
[tweetthis]Halloween safety tips are super important this time of year. Stay safe. [/tweetthis]
Watch the Flames
This one makes me nervous. Don’t leave pumpkins unattended. If you put a lit flame in something you need to keep an eye on it. If you have a dozen inflatable characters on your lawn pay attention to the electrical cords etcetera. Unplug at night and be cautious. Last thing you need is a fire to ruin your year.
Halloween Safety – Monsters not Mayhem
Halloween safety cannot be overstated. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times and never let your kids out of your site. And always be safe with fire or electricity. These tips can help you protect yourself and your children this Hallows Eve while you mingle with ghosts, goblins, and ghouls.