Keeping Halloween Safe

Halloween is almost upon us, and if you have children, that means time for trick-or-treating. While trick-or-treating is an inherently safe activity, here are five easy extra steps you can take to ensure everyone has a great time, and that you don’t spend the evening worrying.

Safety in numbers. If you’re going trick-or-treating along with your child then this doesn’t apply, but older kids want to roam the neighborhood with their friends. Make sure your child will be in a group that will travel together, and that these are children that both you and your child know and trust.

Know where your child is going. Find out the route your child wants to take trick-or-treating, so you can foresee any problems that might arise. Establish clear neighborhood boundaries so that your child doesn’t get swept up in the excitement and end up too far from home.

Use extra caution with streets. Children aren’t the only ones who celebrate Halloween. Plenty of adults do, too, and unfortunately some of them take the wheel when they should be taking a cab. Have a talk with your child about using extra care when crossing streets, and tell them not to assume anything with approaching cars.

Use a light, if needed. If your child’s costume is very dark (or even if it isn’t) you can add some extra visibility by clipping a bike light on the back of it. If your child doesn’t like this idea, you can compromise that they have to use the light when nearing a street.

Stay in contact. If you are your child’s contact should they need anything, then make sure to keep your phone with you. If you are going out and they are under someone else’s care, make sure that person is within easy reach. This way if plans change for your child, or they have a question, you can help them out. All too often children make unwise or unsafe choices because they couldn’t reach an adult.

Above all make sure to have fun!

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