One of the best traditions of the spooky season is dressing up in costumes and trick-or-treating!
While Halloween is a fun time for everyone, it’s important to prioritize safety.
Here are some safety tips to help make trick-or-treating as safe as possible.
10 Tips to Keep Kids Safe While Trick-or-Treating
1. Plan the Route Ahead of Time
Before setting out to trick-or-treat, plan the route you and your children will take. Stick to familiar neighborhoods with well-lit houses and streets.
2. Wear Visible Costumes
While dark and spooky costumes might be tempting, it’s crucial for children to be easily visible to drivers and others.
Opt for brightly colored costumes, or consider adding reflective tape to darker outfits. Glow sticks, flashing lights, and reflective items can also help increase visibility in the dark.
3. Choose Safe Accessories
Costume accessories like swords, wands, or other props should be made from soft and flexible materials. This minimizes the risk of accidental injury while your child is walking or playing with friends.
4. Stay in Well-Lit Areas
When trick-or-treating after dark, make sure to stay in well-lit areas. And only approach houses with outdoor lights on. Avoid areas that might be unfamiliar or poorly lit, where you wouldn’t be able to see your kids.
5. Adult Supervision
For younger children, having an adult with them during trick-or-treating is essential. Older kids who might want more independence should still be part of a group, and stick to a pre-approved route.
6. Check Candy Before Consuming
Before your kiddos dive into the hard-earned candy, thoroughly inspect the candy they have collected. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items. While instances of tampering are rare, it’s good to be cautious.
7. Be Mindful of Allergies
If your child has allergies, read candy labels carefully to ensure they don’t consume anything that could trigger an allergic reaction.
Consider having non-food treats on hand to trade for any items that might not be safe for them to eat.
8. Practice Pedestrian Safety
Remind your children to use crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and look both ways before crossing the street. And avoid using your phone while walking to stay aware of your surroundings.
9. Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested
Trick-or-treating can be exciting, but don’t forget to keep kids hydrated and well-rested. Make sure your kids have had a dinner before heading out so they don’t fill up on candy, and keep water on hand.
10. Set a Curfew
Set a reasonable curfew for your trick-or-treating adventure. This ensures your children are back home before it gets too late, minimizing risks of being out after dark.
Halloween is a fun holiday for children to dress up and eat candy. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your kids have a fantastic and safe trick-or-treating experience.
Planning the route, wearing visible costumes, and practicing pedestrian safety are just a few ways to make sure that Halloween remains a safe and memorable event for your family.
And for all things Halloween, see Ultimate Guide to Halloween & Fall Activities in Fargo 2023, including Trick or Treating Events!
