Halloween is just around the corner! A lot of us are looking forward to a night of fun dedicated to dressing up, trick-or-treating and checking out what kind of candy everyone got.
At the same time, it’s vital that both kids and adults follow tips for Halloween safety.
And Halloween night isn’t the only time during October that safety needs to be a primary concern. Certain fall season activities can be dangerous if safety precautions aren’t taken.
Let’s start with carving pumpkins.
When carving pumpkins with children, the best way to keep them safe is to guide them through the entire process. Never let kids use a sharp tool or knife by themselves, and do not leave them unsupervised with pumpkin carving equipment.
When placing carved pumpkins on the porch, it’s safest to use LED candles instead of real ones.
As for a haunted house or corn maze…
It is important to make sure you are accompanying your child in them at all times. Also, be sure to check the age limit of the event beforehand so that it is suitable and not too scary for them.
And now for the night of Halloween.
This night can be very exciting, and children may want to get the trick-or-treating started as soon as possible. However, make sure to take your time and go through all the following safety protocols before heading out for the big candy haul.
- Walk everywhere – don’t run, skip or jog.
- Stay close to your group – don’t wander ahead.
- Obey traffic laws and look both ways before crossing the street.
When dressing your child for Halloween, make sure their costumes are flame-resistant. Don’t allow kids to carry accessories that are sharp or could be harmful to others, like swords or knives.
Additionally, costumes with bright colors are a great way to make children visible and safe during trick-or-treating. If their costume isn’t bright, kids can carry glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark candy bags.
Halloween makeup can often contain toxic ingredients. Test it on your skin first or your child’s skin before applying it directly to their face.
Again, Halloween safety tips are just as much for adults as they are for children.
Adults need to do everything they can to make sure kids are safe and being watched while they trick-or-treat.
- If you are a chaperone for a group of children, make sure to have eyes on them at all times.
- Be extra careful and slow down when driving through neighborhoods during peak trick-or-treating hours.
- Double-check the sizing on your child’s costume. If the costume is too big, they could trip and fall while wearing it.
- Always check for food allergies before allowing children to consume candy.
Halloween is a bonding time for children and parents as they embark on a great night of fun. So, be sure to keep it fun, and without the scary, by following the above safety tips!
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