Halloween is a magical time for children (and adults!) but it doesn’t come without risk. One of the best ways to prevent accidents is to keep an eye on your kids during the holiday and take some extra precautions.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
Believe it or not, the biggest risk to your children on Halloween is getting hit by a car. That’s because it’s dark, and kids aren’t always easy to see when they’re wearing a costume. Consider adding reflective tape to your children’s costumes and/or candy buckets and having them carry flashlights or glow sticks. Also, remind children to stay on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing the street. In addition to these tips, avoid trick-or-treating in busy areas. If you live near busy roads, consider only allowing your children to trick-or-treat during the day, or accompany children of all ages to keep them safe among fast-moving motorists.
Pumpkin Carving Safety
Only carve pumpkins on a flat surface with adequate lighting, such as a kitchen table. Use a pumpkin-carving kit that includes tools appropriate for the task, and make sure little hands are carefully supervised throughout the process. When your works of art are completed, place lit jack-o’-lanterns away from flammable objects, such as sheets and curtains. Better yet, use battery-operated candles instead of real flames in jack-o-lanterns to prevent fires.
Candy Safety
The fear of candy laced with drugs or razor blades is one that many parents have. While the risk of this happening is very small, it pays to give your kids’ candy haul a once over before letting them eat any of it. Look for candy that is unwrapped and dispose of it right away. Chances are it was jostled and the wrapper came loose, but it’s better safe than sorry. Likewise, get rid of any candy that looks as if it’s been tampered with. Younger kids shouldn’t eat small pieces of candy or hard candies because they are a choking hazard. Separate them and store them out of reach. If your child has allergies, be sure you weed out any candy that could cause a reaction and dispose of it properly.
Finally, make sure your insurance policies are up to date – just in case there’s an accident for which you could be liable.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
