How to Keep Kids Safe on Halloween

Halloween is an opportunity for children to tell scary stories, dress up in silly costumes and parade around town begging for free goodies. One of the last things on children's minds at Halloween is safety. So it is up to the adults to ensure that kids are careful while trick-or-treating. Read on to learn how to keep kids safe on Halloween.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flame retardant costumes
• Makeup
• Reflective tape
• Flashlight
• Cell phone

Before Trick-or-Treating

1. Choose a costume for your child that fits properly. Kids can easily trip and fall if the costume drags on the ground.

2. Make sure all costumes are made of flame-retardant material.

3. Apply makeup instead of having the child wear a mask. If he insists on wearing a mask, make sure there are sufficient air holes around the nose and mouth and large openings for the eyes.

4. Look for costumes with reflective pieces on them, especially on the back. You can also apply reflective tape to the costume yourself.

5. Arm your child with a flashlight and a cell phone if old enough to go out on own, so she can easily be spotted and reached.

6. Plan ahead and discuss with your child the route you will take and where to meet if you get separated.

While Trick-or-Treating

7. Make sure young children, generally under 12 years old, are accompanied by an adult at all times.

8. Remind kids of the importance of walking instead of running. Don't allow kids to cut through yards or alleyways.

9. Teach children to only go to houses with a porch light shining and to never enter a stranger's house under any circumstance.

10. Make certain kids know to walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic when sidewalks are not available.

11. Check all candy for possible tampering when you return home.

Tips & Warnings

• It is always a good idea to give children a meal before they go trick-or-treating. This will make them less apt to overdo the candy consumption.
• Light colored costumes are best if kids are going out after dark.
• If the weather is not conducive to trick-or-treating outside, malls and other large venues often have trick-or-treating available indoors at no cost.
• Never let kids eat candy without inspecting it first. If anything looks suspicious, toss it.