Advice On Halloween Safety For Kids

by JohnG

posted on 10/22/2009

Halloween is just around the corner and the holiday seems to be getting more and more popular each year. It's great that we have one every October year where we can enjoy getting dressed up in silly and scary costumes and acting like someone other than ourselves. It's official permission to turn into someone we're not!

Halloween is especially fun for the little ones, as it gives them a chance to dress up in a costume portraying a favorite character. Whether they're dressed as a princess or a pirate "trick or treating" is the highlight of their day, as they go from door to door, soliciting treats and goodies.

Unfortunately, trick or treating is no longer as safe as it used to be, as disturbed individuals often try to spoil the holiday with their malicious activities. That's why it is so important for parents to exercise extreme safety when their children go knocking on doors.

Here are some tips to keep in mind so your kids will have a good and safe Halloween.

Select a costume that has reflective bands. Costumes that are very dark, such as that of a witch or a vampire, are usually black. Make sure there is reflective tape sewn into the costume so it will reflect if there is an oncoming car. Children in costumes can often blend into the night, so you want to make sure they are visible to traffic. If the costume doesn't have reflective tape, you can buy some and apply it yourself.

Make sure your child's costume is fireproof and that the mask has holes large enough for the eyes so he or she can see. Although most costumes made today are supposed to be fireproof, many of the imported costumes may not have the same laws in the country of origin as they have in the U.S.

Never let your kids go trick-or-treating without an adult! Even if you think your neighborhood is safe, Halloween brings out individuals who may enjoy playing pranks. Escort your kids as they go around the neighborhood. You don't have to go up to each door, but you should stay on the sidewalk observing them ... just in case.

Have the kids carry a flashlight. This helps them see uneven sidewalks or ditches on the side of the road.

Examine all candy and treats before your child eats anything. Most candy that is given out today is individually wrapped, so there should be very few things that need to be looked over. However, anything that is not wrapped should probably be thrown away, since you don't know where it came from. Many hospitals and clinics open up their X-Ray departments on Halloween night to examine bags of candy for any foreign objects. Take advantage of this opportunity if it exists in your neighborhood!

Halloween can be a fun time, even if Mom or Dad has be a little more protective than usual. This holiday season, stay safe!

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