Whether you live out in the country or somewhere in town, trick-or-treating and general scary fun are a necessity this time of year. We’ve compiled a few safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this Halloween.
Visibility and Maneuverability are Vital
A proper fitting costume could reduce the chance of tripping and falling. Make sure capes and robes don’t drag on the ground or under feet. Additionally, masks should not block vision. For more visibility, add reflective tape and glow sticks to costumes and candy bags to keep kids as bright and visible as possible. It’s also a good idea for kids to carry a flashlight if they’ll be tromping through fields or off sidewalks.Be Cautious of Handheld Props (wands, guns, etc.)
Swords and wands are easy, but toy guns can pose a problem in some areas. Be sure all toy weapons have a bright orange tip on the end of the barrel. Encourage your little ones to follow strict gun safety rules even when carrying a pretend firearm. It’s never too early to practice gun safety.
Plan Ahead
Plot your Halloween route with the kids during the day. If possible, plan your path on well-lit streets and friendly neighborhoods. Additionally, make sure your kids know your phone number in case you get separated. If they already have their own phone, double-check that they understand how to call 911 in case of an emergency.Eat Dinner Beforehand
Instead of letting your kiddos fill up on candy while they’re out trick-or-treating, make dinner before you go out.Protect Your Pets
Keep pets locked up in another room to ensure they don’t run away or harm anyone.
Go as a Group
Try not to have more than three kids per adult. If you have tweens or teens who insist on wandering without adults, make sure they go with a buddy or two (or more).
Be Safe at the Door
Walk smaller children to the door of each house, and never let them go into a home unless you know the person who lives there. This is especially important for tweens and teens off on their own.
Report Suspicious Activity
Your local law enforcement will likely be on high alert all night, but they do appreciate it when you call and report anything out of the ordinary.
Trade Tricks for Treats
At the end of the night, examine each piece of candy carefully. If something seems odd or unsafe, throw it away. If you want to limit sugar intake, trade treats for prizes, such as coloring books, video game time, or a trip to the Coastal toy aisle.
Country Life is a Treat
The folks at your Northwest owned and operated Coastal are here to help you find just what the country needs. Just stop by and tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll point you in the right direction.