Halloween Safety Tips for Kids
Halloween is an exciting holiday for children and parents. However, many activities associated with Halloween such as wearing costumes, trick or treating and pumpkin carving have attendant risks of possible injury and in some instances, liability. As a result, parents should keep safety in the forefront of their minds and take steps to enjoy a fun, but safe, night for all.
Other People Are Reading
-
Costumes
-
Ensure that your child's costume is safe to wear. Costumes should be fire proof; if a costume is not flame retardant, you can purchase a flame retardant fabric spray and apply it to your child's costume. Make sure, also, that your child can be seen from a distance by adhering reflective material on the costume. Trick or treating often occurs well past sunset and you want to make sure that pedestrians and vehicles can clearly see your child. Finally, make sure that the costume fits your child properly and is safe to wear. Excess fabric, masks and shoes should be such that they will not cause your child to trip or fall.
Trick or Treating
-
Formulate and communicate trick or treating rules to your child. Basic rules should include that the child refrain from opening and eating any candy until he arrives home and you are able to inspect the candy, as well as to refrain from accepting invitations to enter into a stranger's house. Also, require your child to carry a device such as a flashlight or glow stick and if applicable, to bring his cell phone. Finally, if possible, pre-plan a trick or treating route with your child so you and he know exactly what areas he is allowed to trick or treat. Caution your child to walk only on well-lit streets and to avoid taking any shortcuts by cutting through any dark, foreign areas.
-
Carving Pumpkins
-
Pumpkin carving activities should take into account the age of any participating child. Young children should not be allowed to carve a pumpkin with a knife. Rather, allow the child to decorate the pumpkin with markers or provide an alternate Halloween decorating activity.
Property Management
-
If you are planning on handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, make certain that your property is safe for children. Any lawn items should be removed and properly stored. If you have any pets, especially ones that are not good with strangers or children, put them in a room away from the door. Finally, you may want to refrain from placing candles in any carved pumpkins you may have on your porch. Children often trip and burning candles can pose a risk to anyone in the area.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Halloween image by Pakmor from Fotolia.com
