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Trick or Treat
The recent cooler weather prompted everyone to begin decorating
for Halloween including my 3-year-old granddaughter, Taylor. Now when a
visitor approaches our front door, the doormat delightfully screams Happy
Halloween in a real scary voice.
Whether you are an old pro or just beginning, safety should
always come first when Trick-or-Treating.
Below are a few safety tips for the kids, along with handy dandy
tips for parents and homeowners.
TRICK-OR-TREATERS:
- Always carry a light. If
you are carrying a flashlight, have an extra set of batteries.
- Walk, DO NOT run. Don't
cut across ditches, driveways or yards.
- Avoid walking in the
street. It is safer to walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and
you have to walk on the street, always walk on the left side of the
road, facing traffic.
- Make sure your costume
does not drag the ground. Wear some type of reflective markings or tape
on the front and back of your costume.
- Shoes should be
comfortable and fit well, even if they don't match what you are wearing.
- Avoid wearing a mask while
walking. You can always put it on as you approach a house.
- Approach only houses with
the lights on.
- Obey traffic signals.
- Stay in familiar
neighborhoods.
- Wear a watch you can read
in the dark.
- Only carry toy guns,
knives, swords or other props.
- Stay away from strange
people and animals.
- NEVER go inside a
stranger's house.
- Do not eat any candy until
you get home.
PARENTS:
- Review all of the above
safety tips with your children.
- Ideally, young children should
ALWAYS be accompanied by an adult.
- Make your children eat
something before hitting the streets. Hot dogs and chips have become a
tradition at my house.
- Older children should
carry a cell phone to call home if needed.
- If you are buying a
costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.
- If you are not going with
the kids, map out a route for them to follow. You should know where they
are.
- If you are not home, older
children should know how to get in touch with you.
- Don't forget to give the kids
a flashlight and watch (one that they can read in the dark).
- Tell children not to eat
any candy until they return home, inspect wrappings carefully and throw
out anything that looks suspicious.
HOMEOWNERS:
- Turn your porch lights on
to welcome ghosts and goblins.
- Use battery-powered
jack-o-lanterns instead of lighting candles.
- If you use candles, keep
them away from trick-or-treaters and animals.
- Make sure your yard is
clear of all debris and other items such as ladders, hoses, flower pots,
etc.
- Keep your pets away from
the children.
- Keep cloth and paper yard
decorations away from open flames.
- Choose healthy treats or
non-food items such as stickers, pencils, erasers, coins, plastic rings,
etc.
Instead of taking the kids to trick-or-treat, you may choose to
take them to a local fair or festival. Many churches, schools and malls plan
special activities and events for Halloween.
On a lighter note, remember all the kids want to do is have FUN
and get some candy. So try to relax and enjoy!
Writers note: For other tips on safety, costume
and/or party ideas, go to your favorite search engine and type in Halloween.
Tons of great things will pop up!
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