The leaves are changing and temperatures are dropping, which can only mean one thing — fall is officially here! And while your children may be filled with excitement as they count down the days to Halloween, we understand that as parents, this holiday can be a bit more stressful than fun. According to a national survey conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide, 77% of parents have Halloween-related fears, from pedestrian injuries to eating unsafe Halloween treats. ,We want to help you make this holiday safe and fun for everyone, which is why we’ve put together this guide full of tips to get you through costume planning and decorating to a night of trick-or-treating.
Costumes
Costumes are a big part of Halloween, but before you and your child decide on the superhero or lion outfit, here are some things to consider:
- How visible is your child when they are in their costume? Will motorists be able to see them and will you be able to quickly identify them in a crowd?
- Is the costume obstructing your child’s vision in any way?
- Is the material flame-retardant?
- Does it fit well or does it create a risk for trips and falls?
It’s important to ask yourself these questions when helping your child pick out their costume. Costumes that are bright and visible to motorists, flame-retardant, and are short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement can all help your little one have a safe Halloween.
In addition to these safety precautions, if your child’s costume comes with accessories, you’ll want to make sure those accessories are all flame-resistant as well. If a sword or cane is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long, as they may be easily hurt by these if they were to trip and fall. It is also recommended to avoid costumes with masks as they limit or block eyesight. Safer alternatives include non-toxic makeup or decorative hats.
Trick-Or-Treating
When going on the neighborhood rounds, a parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children. If your children are old enough to trick-or-treat without adult supervision, they should stick to a familiar route in a well-lit area. But whether you’ll be accompanying your child or they’ll be going door-to-door with their friends, safety should always be the top priority. Here are some reminders to discuss with your trick-or-treaters:
- Travel in groups and communicate a plan of where you’ll be going.
- Always use the sidewalk if available.
- Only go to homes with lights on and never enter a home or car.
- Don’t cut across yards.
- Cross the street at intersections using crosswalks.
- Be mindful of cars.
Food Safety
After a successful night of trick-or-treating, children return home with bags filled with candy and treats. Although tampering with treats is rare, a responsible adult should go through all treats and dispose of any unwrapped, spoiled, or suspicious treats. It’s also recommended to steer clear of any home-made goodies as you don’t know what ingredients they could contain. If your child has food allergies, be sure to read the ingredients labels of all treats. Often times, fun-sized or miniature versions of candy bars contain different ingredients. If you are passing out treats, it’s also a good idea to have alternative options for children with allergies as candy often contains common allergens such as peanuts, milk, soy, or wheat.
Pumpkin Carving
A big part of getting into the Halloween spirit is carving silly or scary faces into a big, round pumpkin. But before getting messy, brush up on these important reminders to keep your little ones safe:
- Small children should never carve pumpkins.
- Consider using a flashlight or glow stick to illuminate your pumpkin.
- Never leave a lit pumpkin unattended.
Small children can easily hurt themselves when handling sharp carving tools. It is best if they participate by drawing the design and having the parents do the carving. Another alternative is decorating the pumpkin with paint and other craft materials. When it comes to illuminating your masterpiece, consider flameless candles or glow sticks for a more fire safe alternative. If you choose to use a candle, a votive candle is the safest — just make sure you never leave your lit Jack O’Lantern unattended. You’ll also want to place your pumpkin on a sturdy surface away from flammable objects.
Halloween is a time filled with dressing up, eating treats, and making memories. We want the holiday to remain that way and hope these tips help you make Halloween memorable for all the right reasons!
We hope these safety tips help keep you and your family safe this Halloween season. To learn more about our products & services or to find a local agent near you, please visit our website: https://patrons.com/index.htm?