Halloween Safety: Trick-or-Treating Tips!

image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net


We at Travel-Tot know that Halloween is traditionally a time for costumes, parties, parades, and treats; however, safety is never far from our minds! Sadly, CDC data shows that almost four times as many children (age 5-14) are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared to other evenings of the year.  In addition, numerous children are injured every Halloween; particularly by slips and falls. The good news is that most Halloween-related injuries are preventable if parents closely supervise school-aged children during trick-or-treating and remember a few basic tips. 

The following reminders are offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council:

Children should be instructed to:

• Go only to well-lit houses.
• Never enter houses.
• Travel in small groups, with an adult.
• Carry a cell phone and know how to reach a parent and call 911.
• Have their name & phone number printed on their costume (or use a SafetyTat).
• Bring treats home prior to eating so they can be inspected for tainting/spoilage.
• Wear reflective, flame-retardant clothing.
• Use face paint instead of masks.
• Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
• Avoid long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes.
• Avoid carrying sharp or rigid costume knives or swords.
• Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
• Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (when available), and avoid crossing between parked cars.
• Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
• Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

 Parents should:

• Supervise outings for kids under 12.
• Prepare for trick-or-treaters: clear lawns and sidewalks, place jack-o-lanterns away from doorways.
• Avoid giving choking hazards (i.e. nuts, gum, or small toys) as treats to young children.
• Inspect all candy for safety before it is eaten.
• Ensure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters.
• Make sure children under 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
• Drive slowly.
• Watch for children in the street and on medians and sidewalks.
• Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
• Have children exit cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side. 

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

-Destination Mom