Halloween Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

Regardless of your kids' age, as a parent, you need to be aware of the potential dangers of Halloween so you can keep your family safe. Though it's typically an innocent time of spookiness, candy, and fun, there are still risks. It's often dark, there are various strangers in the area, and you're approaching the doors of strangers.

Parents who take the proper precautions can have a fun holiday without unneeded stress. To help, we have compiled this comprehensive list of Halloween safety tips to ensure a safe and memorable experience this year.

Halloween Costume Safety

As the season approaches, the first thing you should be thinking about when it comes to Halloween safety tips is your kid's costumes. If you have younger kids, then try to make it a point to find costumes that are bright and colorful. Think pink, yellow, and white. Better yet, find a costume that glows in the dark. Some costumes will be darker. If your child is in love with wearing it, then at least add some colorful or glow-in-the-dark elements like bright stickers or a bright treat bag. When all else fails, consider adding a bit of reflective tape.

There are also precautions you can take to prevent your kids from hurting themselves or others. For starters, make sure that their shoes fit properly so they don't fall off or become tripping hazards. Also, be aware of potentially dangerous costume accessories, like swords or canes. Finally, take a second to check the costume details and avoid any outfits that are not considered flame-resistant. 

A lot of attention should be paid to what your kids have on their faces. Many costumes may include something that's worn over the face, but masks can often obscure a child's vision or become choking hazards. Instead, consider non-toxic makeup, which will be just as cool without the safety issues. If your child's outfit includes a hat, ensure that it fits properly so it doesn't cover their eyes.

Staying Safe While Walking Around

Most people are out to have a good time during Halloween, but it can still be a dangerous time walking the streets. It’s dark, there are plenty of strangers around, and traffic is still an issue, among other concerns. As parents, you need to instill certain Halloween safety tips regardless of the age of your kids.

Even if your child seems mature for their age, you should accompany young kids, especially those under 13 years old. Check your city’s trick-or-treating hours and try to stick to them. Always stay by your child’s side and hold their hand if necessary. Watch as your kids go up to each door, get their candy, and then come back to you. 

Even if you're walking with your kids, you need to encourage them to be cautious of their surroundings. Don't ever assume that cars will stop just because you have the right of way. Some motorists don't do that during the day, and they may have a harder time doing so if you're dressed in a dark costume. When you cross streets, try to cross with a large group and cross at the intersection. Jaywalking is illegal in many cities, and some drivers won't see you in the middle of the road because they won't expect you to be there. Finally, when possible, always make it a point to walk on well-lit streets.

Have a Talk With Older Kids

If you have responsible children, you may feel comfortable enough to allow them to go out trick-or-treating on their own. However, before you do, have a chat with them and tell them how to be safe. Begin by reminding them about the dangers of distracted walking. If they're looking down at their smartphones, they're unlikely to see passing cars or pedestrians. When it's dark out, suggest that they don't listen to music on earbuds so they're not distracted.

Next, talk about the routes they plan to take. Before your teens leave the house, discuss the streets that they plan to walk and make them promise that they'll stick to them. That way, if something happens, you can follow those same streets to find them. Then, put a curfew in effect for when they should be home. At the very least, require that they check in every 30 minutes. A simple text takes seconds to send, and getting one can be very reassuring.

As a final line of defence, consider installing a safety app on your teen's phone. Many of these apps function as GPS devices, allowing you to locate your kids quickly. Some recommended apps include Panic Button and Life360. Remind your kids that you don't use these apps because you don't trust them. You just love them and care about their well-being.

Ensure that your children understand they should never enter a stranger's house, regardless of how safe they believe it to be. Additionally, they should never accept rides from strangers.

Watch What They Eat

One of the most famous Halloween safety tips is to be aware of what strangers put in your child's bag and what they eat when they go trick-or-treating. Older parents know the warnings they used to hear about sifting through the kids' candy when you get home, so you can find any razor blades that evil neighbors hand out in an attempt to hurt children. 

While that may not be common these days, there are other potential threats. While not typically deadly, it’s not uncommon for some kids to come home with cannabis edibles that look just like candy. 

There are other things to look for when inspecting your child's candy. Be aware of unwrapped candy and dispose of it promptly. If any treats have expiration dates, ensure that they're still okay to eat. If anything looks suspicious, consider setting it aside. While inspecting the candy, keep in mind any allergies your kids may have. Inspect every piece of candy to ensure that it won't hurt your child down the line. If you're ever unsure, veer on the side of caution. 

When you’re sorting candy, be aware of smaller pieces, especially if you have toddlers. Hard candies, jelly beans, and gum can be harmful to youngsters. Wrappers, temporary tattoos, and other non-food items can also be dangerous.

Finally, consider rationing the candy so your kids don’t eat it all at once. That’s just asking for a tummy ache. Instead, limit how much your kids can eat that night. To avoid upset kids, tell them that they can only eat three pieces of candy after trick-or-treating. They’ll inevitably be full after two, and they may not even ask for that third piece.

Pumpkin Carving

Halloween safety tips also extend to carving pumpkins. Obviously, you need to be aware of any sharp knives or utensils. There are pumpkin carving kits that include safe tools that should be used instead. Never allow young kids to carve pumpkins. If anything, give them non-toxic markers and let them decorate their pumpkin that way. Kids can also help to remove the seeds and pulp from inside. Better yet, don't carve the pumpkin at all; instead, use stickers and paint to create a spooky creation. 

When it comes to illuminating your pumpkins, consider forgoing candles and flames. Instead, opt for a battery-operated candle, a glow stick, or a small flashlight. They are much safer, and they will have the same effect in your jack-o-lantern as a candle. Fire can be dangerous, especially when you have trick-or-treaters coming to your door.

Preparing your Home for Trick or Treaters

In addition to keeping flame-lit pumpkins away from trick-or-treaters, there are other considerations you should keep in mind to ensure the safety of everyone on Halloween night. If you know that people will come to your house looking for candy, keep all obstacles out of your yard, like bikes, hoses, and toys.

If you have landscape lighting, be sure to turn it on and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Sweep wet leaves off the sidewalk so kids don't slip and fall. Finally, keep all pets under control so they don't scare the guests.

When it comes to giving out treats at the door, consider providing healthy options, such as mini granola bars and natural fruit leather. Better yet, avoid food altogether by giving out fun toys, such as themed bookmarks and glider airplanes. 

Safety Tips for Motorists

Even if you aren’t currently trick-or-treating with your kids, it’s the responsibility of parents to keep the safety of other children in mind, especially while behind the wheel. When you're driving around on Halloween night, always watch for kiddos on roadways and sidewalks. Keep an extra eye on kids hanging out on curbs and medians.

Be extra cautious when entering and exiting your driveways. If you're backing out, check twice or even three times to be extra sure. When the sun goes down, be extra vigilant to watch for kids dressed in dark clothing. 

Think about all of the ways that you can keep your family and the people of the neighborhood safe this Halloween. Do your part, and others are sure to follow your example and make it a holiday to remember.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Tatevosian Yana/Shutterstock.com