The most exciting activity for many children on Halloween is undoubtedly going trick-or-treating, but if you plan on going with your kids, siblings or friends, it is very important to be safe on this night.
Before going trick-or-tricking, you should map out the area you plan to be in. It is good to know where you are heading and how far from home you will be so you do not get lost.
While going house to house, only approach those that have a porch light on or people visibly handing out candy. It can make some people angry if you ring their doorbell and they are not handing out candy. It is also unsafe for a child to go up to any house, especially a dark one, alone.
Do not go trick-or-treating alone or allow your child to. If it is a group of young children, they should have an adult with them at all times. If it is a teen then they should be with a group of friends or family. Even adults who plan to go out on Halloween night should not be outside alone.
It is also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes. Trick-or-treating consists of constant walking around – you do not want to be in pain or have a child be in pain and then have to carry them home four blocks.
Masks may be dangerous as well. They may make it more difficult for a child to breath or see, especially walking around so much at night. Face make-up should be tested before being worn all night as well to avoid skin reactions. Sleeping in it can cause irritation or breakouts in older kids as well as adults.
Since it will be dark, it is also a good idea to put reflective tape on your child’s costume or bag. You could also carry a flashlight so others are able to see you. This could prevent you or the children from running into others or from getting hit by a car.
Costumes that are too big or too long can create a safety hazard, by making it much easier to trip.
Props to compliment a costume like fake guns, knives, wands or other weapons should be as soft, short and harmless as possible because accidents can always happen.
Stay on the sidewalk or the very edge of the road while trick-or-treating and look both ways before crossing the street.
Try to avoid going inside of strangers’ homes to get candy. If you or a child does so, be sure to never do it alone.
Make sure you, your children, family or friends are aware of curfews and trick-or-treating times in the area you will be in. Police are usually out all night long on Halloween and you do not want to get into any trouble.
When the child has their bag of candy back home, then check the candy. Throw out any opened wrappers or candy that appears to be tampered with. Do not eat any homemade treats from strangers either, just company products from the store.
