Keep Your Trick-or-Treater Safe with These Six Safety Tips

Halloween is one of the most exciting times for your children. They get to dress up as their favorite character, eat candy, and watch scary movies. As a parent, however, it’s important to make sure your kids have a fun and safe holiday by following a few crucial safety tips.

6 Halloween Safety Tips for Your Trick-or-Treater

1. Plan costumes accordingly. Bright and reflective costumes are safer, but if your child’s costume is dark, you can add reflective tape or give them a bright trick-or-treat bag. Make sure their shoes fit well and that their costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement. Masks and long wigs can block or limit eyesight, so consider makeup or decorate hats as safer options.
2. Review emergency protocol. Before you leave with your kids to go trick-or-treating, run through any emergency contacts to call and inform them on how to call 9-1-1. This is crucial just in case one of your children is lost in the dark or loses the rest of the crowd.
3. Watch out during carving time. If your family enjoys carving pumpkins on Halloween, make sure an adult is supervising the activity at all times. Small children should use markers instead of knives or other sharp tools, or an adult can carve for them. Consider using a fake candle, flashlight or glow stick to light a pumpkin instead of a real flame. If you do decide to use candlelit pumpkins, set them on a high and sturdy table away from curtains or any other flammable items. Anything with a flame should not be left unattended, especially if you are expecting trick-or-treaters at your door.
4. Be cautious around property. While trick-or-treating with your kids, tell them to watch out for objects on the ground. Garden hoses, toys, and Halloween lawn decorations could trip someone. If you are preparing your own home for Halloween, have outdoor lights or other sources of light on your porch, sweep any wet leaves from the sidewalk and steps, and restrain your pets during trick-or-treating hours.
5. Create a safe trick-or-treating trail. A parent or other responsible adult should always accompany younger children during trick-or-treating. Every child should have their own flashlight. If your older children are out alone, review the route they will be on before they leave and agree on a time they should return home. Trick-or-treaters should stay in a group and remain cautious while walking on the road.  
6. Avoid houses with their lights turned off. Many homeowners deliberately turn off their lights on Halloween to discourage children from trying to trick-or-treating there. As a parent or guardian, teach your child to avoid houses that do not have a visible porch light on. Ignoring this safety precaution could cause injuries due to slips, trips and falls in the dark.

Are you taking your toddler on their first trick-or-treating adventure this year? Read our blog on toddler safety here.

Pedestrian injuries are very common on Halloween, especially for young children. Our personal injury attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC can provide helpful legal representation for you and your family after a serious injury. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.