Trick or Treating Safety Tips
Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, especially children. What is more fun than dressing up in silly costumes and parading around the neighborhood with friends? Doing so in search of candy of course! Although Halloween can be a blast, as with everything our children do, there are safety precautions that should be taken. The best way to avoid scary situations is to have a plan and set rules for your children to follow. Halloween rules change as your child grows but even teenagers need to know what is expected of them. Read though the list tips for safe Trick or Treating and decide which ones work for your family and share them with your children before their big night.
• Young children should ALWAYS be accompanied by an adult
• Teens and pre-teens who are allowed to go off on their own should Trick or Treat in a group and should never separate from them
• Teens and pre-teens who Trick or Treat without an adult should carry a fully charged cell phone with emergency numbers programmed into it
• Curfews should be set for those who Trick or Treat without a parent and you should know where your child is and who they are with at all times
• Have the “never talk to strangers” chat with children who are going out on their own
• Do not pet animals that you do not know well. Even animals that are typically friendly may bite because they are nervous with all that is going on around them on Halloween
• Young children should have an emergency contact number written or attached to their costume in case they are accidentally separated from the adult they are with
• Be sure to carry a flash light with new batteries in it or have reflectors or flashing lights on your child’s costume so they can be seen by drivers
• Never allow your child to go to the backdoor of a house. Always Trick or Treat at the front door (this is especially important for children going out without an adult)
• Trick or Treat in familiar neighborhoods that are well lit
• Have your children bring all of their candy home so that you can look it over, especially if your child has any food allergies
