The candy, the costumes, the popcorn balls, the candy (did we mention that already?) – make Halloween one of the favorite holidays of the year. Whether you’ll be trick-or-treating, handing out candy to ghosts and princesses or waiting for the Great Pumpkin to appear, here are some safety tips for you and your family!
- Children under the age of 12 should trick or treat with an adult. Older kids should stick with a group and stay in a familiar location. Have a pre-planned route and check-in points for your older kids if they’re enjoying the fun without you.
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or glow in the dark accessories. Wear light colors, which may be easier to see at night.
- Carry a flashlight to be sure you can see where you’re going. It will help drivers and other’s see you too! Don’t forget to check your batteries before you head out!
- Choose non-toxic face paint over masks, which can limit visibility.
- Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
- Follow basic walking safety rules: cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks; look both ways before crossing the street; and don’t dart out from behind parked cars and into the street.
- Never go inside someone’s house or car without your parent’s permission – especially if you don’t know the person who invited you to come in.
- Make sure kids know to ask before eating any home-made treats. Popcorn balls from Aunt Evelyn are awesome, but if you don’t know who made it, you might want to pass.
- Although tampering is rare, an adult should check through the candy bags and toss out anything that’s been opened or that looks suspicious.
- Make sure front porches are clear of debris to ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters stopping by.
- Keep a porch light on – if you’re welcoming fairies and pirates!
- Help little ones draw a face on their pumpkin – and then, let the adults do the carving. Don’t forget to roast the seeds for an extra special treat!
- Try using a glow stick instead of a candle when lighting your jack-o-lantern. If you’re using a candle, be sure that it’s placed away from flammable objects.
- Make sure that family pets feel safe and secure. All of the extra excitement of Halloween can “spook” even the friendliest of pets! Don’t forget to keep all chocolate and other candies away from pets – it can be dangerous.
If you’re looking for a ghostly good time, don’t forget about Halloween at the Price Tower on Oct. 28th, the Witches Ball and the Ghosts of Dewey Past at the Heritage Theatre and Main Street MASH – both on October 29th.